YOUR COUNCIL TAX RISE... 1.32% + 1% = 2.32% It all adds up to better life

This information can be made available on request, in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or for everyone Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 01698 454296 OUTH Lanarkshire has set a base council leader Eddie McAvoy would tax of 1.32%, which with the public- more than match any increase backed 1% add-on for the council’s faced by pensioners in all S council tax bands. 01698 454296 visionary primary school rebuilding programme It means that for each of gives a council tax rise of 2.32% - 2% below the last four years South the key Retail Price Index inflation measure. Lanarkshire has had one of the lowest council tax levels of 01698 454296 The lowest council tax rise for four years – helped by tax Scotland’s mainland councils. income from the growing number of new houses in South Lanarkshire and on-going council efficiency drives - means In addition, Scotland’s most for the fourth year running South Lanarkshire will have one ambitious council housing It’s made Marion! of Scotland’s lowest council tax levels. modernisation programme - South Lanarkshire’s £800 FOR 90-year-old Marion Robertson, South Lanarkshire’s New Housing Council leader Eddie McAvoy said South Lanarkshire’s Home Happening Partnership initiative brought her ‘independence and safety’. £618.5 million front-line-first cash drive – which willC OUCOUNCILNC ILeaderL Eddie million 01698 454296 see £1.7 million a day spent on vital services such as McAvoy... opportunity. project – is receiving rave “I’m not moving into a home,” was Marion Robertson’s immediate education and social work - would help create a newTA eraX of BANDS reviews from tenants who have reaction when the idea was first suggested to her. opportunity for the people of the area. The full range of council tax bands already enjoying the befits of For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: (excluding the Snewcottis hkitchensWater an dand new bathrooms. And within the last few 01After698 4all,54 she296 was a sprightly 88-year-old who had valued her For the 37,045 households in band A - the biggest groupSewera ge Tax) for 2007/8* is: independence and had no intention of giving that up. of council tax payers - the 2.32% rise will be just 4.6 pence weeks the landmark 10,000th home to be improved under Home Happening a day. A: £7the42 .00 initiative was reached. Yet within minutes of arriving at Trust Housing Association’s Those in band B – with 29,486 households – will pay Now, following this year’s budget decisions another supported living complex in Germiston Crescent, East Kilbride, Marion 5.3 pence a day more, with the daily rise for the 23,401 B: £83,000-plus65.67 houses have been scheduled to get the Home took one look around and promptly changed her mind. Happening transformation over the next 12 months. households in band C 6.1 pence, with those in band D C: £989.33 Marion’s story is on Page 7. paying 6.8 pence a day more. “It means we are well on course to deliver 25,000 The area’s 361 band H houses – that is those over D: £1replacement113.00 kitchens and 25,000 bathrooms by 2009,” £212,000 – will pay an extra 13.7 pence a day – less than half explained council leader Eddie McAvoy. the cost of a first class stamp. E: £136Mr0 .McAvoy33 also said he took pride in the fact that while Musical hits town But a new £50 annual council grant for South F: £1others607. 6were7 closing their residential facilities for older Lanarkshire’s pensioner households announced by council people, South Lanarkshire was creating what have been THE ‘greatest musical’ of the decade is G: £1855.00 hailed as five star facilities. coming to Hamilton Town House for a 20TH PHENOMENAL YEAR “Our senior citizens deserve the week-long run - from Monday 21 May H: £2226.00 very best. I know the contribution until Saturday 26. Building for the future so many of them have made over Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers has the years, and it is only right that played to a standing ovation every night should they have to stay in residential SOUTH Lanarkshire is now the centre of the country’sH obiggestusehold emunicipalrs are remin ded that for the last 20 years in London’s West accommodation it is of the highest building boom - benefiting every section of the communityinclude dandin t hgivingeir Cou nworkcil Tax tobil l End. will be the Water and Sewerage Tax standard. It is also a fact that the over- several thousand people in the construction and manufacturing industries over Fans of Russell will no doubt be which is set by Scottish Water. 65s are the fastest growing sector of THEIR ...THEIR the next ten years. the South Lanarkshire population. booking early for the Hamilton run, LIVES DESTINY starring Linda Nolan. WERE JOINED Now even that is set to grow to a staggering £2.43billion* with the news WORLDS THEM “Whilst we are seeing big decreases that the council has agreed to increase the number of primary schools being in the age range from birth to 29 Ticket prices are from £17 to £26 and APART... TOGETHER rebuilt from 69 to 108. Of the remaining 16 which will get a complete 21st – down over 20%, we are seeing a 95% for group booking buy 10 and get one ticket free. To book call the Hamilton ‘DEVASTATING. A MASTERPIECE. century modernisation, four are listed buildings and 12 were built within the rise in those over 90, a 33% rise in IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, GO. IF YOU HAVE, GO AGAIN’ Town House Box Office on 01698 452299. NEWS OF THE WORLD last 15 years. The primary school decision means that the council’s primary those between 85 and 90 and a 22.5% BEST MUSICAL and secondary schools building and modernisation programme will hit the rise in those between 75 and 79.” Alternatively you can book by calling ALL MAJOR AWARDS Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700, ONE WEEK ONLY: MON 21 - SAT 26 MAY 2007 £1.1billion mark - by far the biggest and most adventurous in the country. THE TOWN HOUSE: 01698 452299 East Kilbride Village Theatre on 01355 Work is already well under way on 19 new secondary schools, the first being AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO 248669, East Kilbride Arts Centre on opened in the Autumn of this year, while the first batch of South Lanarkshire’s 01355 261000 or Lanark Memorial Hall on 01555 665383. new primary schools have already opened to the delight of pupils, teachers THE COUNCIL BUDGET Blood Brothers has scooped four awards for Best Musical in London and parents, with more set to open by the spring. When they do, 22% of South and seven Tony nominations on Broadway. Lanarkshire’s primary pupils will be learning in newly built schools. SEE PAGE 3

It’s all Hitting Mary’s happening our heading in the house FourCast home PAGES 8 and 9 PAGES 13/20 PAGE 21 INSIDE Page 2 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 3

HOUSING & TECHNICAL RESOURCES Council delivers BUDGET AT A GLANCE benefi ts for everyone

OUTH Lanarkshire’s new £618.5million budget will Ssee the people of the area benefi t from more money going into education, services for older people, roads, street cleaning, job creation One of the lowest Go-ahead for the and the environment. A council tax rise of council tax levels next 3000 houses More than 100 It also sets one of the lowest council tax levels just 2.32% - 2% below of Scotland’s ‘big in the £800million primary schools to of Scotland’s ‘big nine’ councils for the fourth the RPI infl ation level nine’ councils for the Home Happening be rebuilt throughout year running. This will mean council tax rises for next year at measure. fourth year running. programme. South Lanarkshire. the following levels: BAND A (37,045 househoulds) - 4.6 pence per day. BAND B (29,486) - 5.3 pence per day. BAND C (23,401) - 6.1 pence per day. BAND D (17,785) - 6.8 pence per day. Those living in the area’s 361 band H houses – those valued at over £212,000 – will pay an extra 13.7 pence a day – less than half the cost of a fi rst class stamp. But a new £50 annual council grant for South Lanarkshire’s pensioner households will more than match any increase pensioners face. The new grant, which can be used in any way pensioners want, will start to be available after April. The council also announced that the area’s Pensioner households Pensioner households primary school children can look forward to to receive a new Pensioners to to get free energy £21million of new annual £50 grant to receive free access saving light bulbs money will target be spent any way to the area’s leisure that could save them improvements to vital they want. centres. up to £1080. front-line services

This information can be made available on request, in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 “I haven’t had a bath since HomeHappening began – because my shower (and kitchen) are fabulous’, says tenant Pauline Wheatland of Larkhall, (pictured, above with daughter Emily). 01698 454296 “I’m really delighted with my new-look home. To me, it’s better quality than you can buy in the private sector – the kitchen cupboards are solid and clearly built to last, and the vinyl floor coverings are also quality material,” she added.

01698 454296

Delivering our HomeHappening FourCast 01698 454296 HomeHappening – Scotland’s largest council housing This means that more than 1 home in every 3 in building a new – and smarter – way of working which improvement programme – has invested £3.25 million South Lanarkshire has already been improved under ensures we put people first. each month since 2004 to raise the standard of our houses HomeHappening and thousands of tenants and their families COUNCIL 01698 454296 – and tenants’ homes – while at the same time also now also enjoy lower energy bills through better insulation, Every tenant whose home is modernised is asked to fill NO rise in Home Care NO rise in School NO rise in Lunch Club NO rise in Meals on generally improving environmental amenities in South more efficient appliances and low-energy lighting. in a customer satisfaction survey form when the TAX BANDS or Day Care charges. Meals charges. charges. Wheels charges. Lanarkshire – in advance of the Scottish Housing Quality improvement work is completed. From the thousands of The full range of council tax bands For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 Standard statutory deadline of 2015. However, there’s still lots more to be done and by homes we’ve improved, these forms show that the vast Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: the end of the first phase of the programme, HomeHappening majority of people (99%) are satisfied both with their A: £742.00 Since 2004, HomeHappening has delivered the following will have replaced a total of 25,000 kitchens and 22,500 Kitchen and Bathroom and with our customer service B: £865.67 keynote achievements: bathrooms in tandem with other improvement works. while carrying out the work. C: £989.33 learning in the country’s most modern and best equipped schools. • Installed well over ten thousand new kitchens and Crucially, these figures show that HomeHappening is not D: £1113.00 Quality improvements only about delivering a service, but that it’s also aimed at For in a landmark decision the council’s bathrooms. budget meeting agreed to increase the number of E: £1360.33 ensuring we achieve customer satisfaction with that primary schools being rebuilt from 69 to 108 in a • Completed 45 External Fabric and Roofing upgrade F: £1607.67 Over the next three years or so, the remaining un-modernised service by putting people first. programme that will completely change the face projects (each comprising up to 500 properties) – council houses will also be given the HomeHappening of primary education across South Lanarkshire, G: £1855.00 keeping homes wind and watertight. bringing huge benefi ts to pupils, teachers and treatment. And – thanks to the council’s overall £800 million communities. H: £2226.00 • Completed 62 Environmental improvements such as renovation programme – there’s funding built-in to maintain In fact, by the spring of this year, 22% of South upgrading footpaths, installing wheelchair friendly Lanarkshire’s primary pupils will be learning in them at that standard for the next 25 years. newly built schools. Plans for East access ramps, improving bin-stores, garage lock-ups, Householders are reminded that Council leader Eddie McAvoy said the included in their Council Tax bill NO charge for under- Kilbride’s £400m Clydesdale gets a flood prevention and boundary fencing. But as well as physically delivering improvements to budget decisions would help create a new era ofw ill be the Water and Sewerage Tax which is set by Scottish Water. 16 teams using the Town Centre multi-million pound • Replaced thousands of doors and windows. our homes and communities, HomeHappening is also opportunity for the people of South Lanarkshire. “We are determined that this year’s budget * NO rise in Community council’s 105 sports modernisation take a redevelopment will help to deliver better schools, better housing, better residential facilities for our senior citizens, Alarm charges. pitches. key step forward. programme. better job opportunities, better roads and better Your Housing Improvement Programme from South Lanarkshire Council leisure and recreational facilities. In essence, a better life for all the people of South Lanarkshire” Page 4 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 5

Council on We’re Council acts to keep infl ation at bay target to top alright OUR years ago the council gave it to the letter, but this year is slightly different, And independent economists were forecasting South Lanarkshire was able to set a base council a commitment that it would because infl ation is at an 11-year-high. there is an ‘upward risk’ on this fi gure. tax rise of 1.32% which with the public-backed recycling Jack! keep council tax rises to the A week after interest rates went up again just Going strictly by its commitment on council primary schools 1% add-on gave a 2.32% total. F over a month ago, the Retail Price Index [RPI] tax, this year’s increase should have been at CHILDREN from And so instead of a 5.4% rise – the council rate of infl ation plus 1%. – the accepted broad measure of infl ation and the least 4.4%, even before the agreed 1% add-on voted to go with the lower fi gure of 2.32%. league Hamilton’s St It is that 1% that is the key to South fi gure which is used to measure the way infl ation to pay for the public-backed primary schools Mark’s Primary Lanarkshire’s £780 million primary schools And that means the council has gone for a affects folk in their pocket – stood at 4.4%. modernisation programme. SOUTH Lanarkshire’s award- modernisation plan. council tax rise below the key RPI fi gure, and School, along It is the key RPI fi gure the council has to However, council leader Eddie McAvoy said winning recycling schemes have with seven-year- This is the fourth year of that commitment. consider when setting the council tax for the next that because of the number of new-build houses still been able to commit to the country’s biggest been highlighted as a model old Michael Over the last three years we have honoured 12 months. bringing in extra cash on top of council savings, primary schools modernisation programme. in the battle to beat climate change. McCabe (far left), Figures from the Scottish whose “The Jolly BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Budget delivers on health and wealth Environment Protection Agency Jack” won the (SEPA) show that the authority ‘name the ship’ Throwing is in the top three of the competition, country’s 32 council areas. had a whale of a The latest SEPA fi gures show light on the council is recycling 33.3% time helping to of its municipal waste – 8.3% launch the new above the Scottish Executive’s interactive Pirate 25% end-of-year target for the Ship at Hamilton Giving old folk the climate country. Water Palace. Welcoming the news, community resources chair The new change Councillor Gerry Convery, said children’s feature while the council was well formed part of ahead of last year’s Scottish the £365,000 average of 17.3%, the council’s refurbishment of HOUSEHOLDS on certain most up-to-date fi gure put categories of benefi t in South South Lanarkshire’s recycling Hamilton Water life they deserve and composting at 38.55%. Lanarkshire are to be offered Palace which fi rst four free low energy light “And we are confi dent that opened in 1995. OUTH Lanarkshire bulbs. we will get to 40% by the end of Council has produced The initiative – in the year,” added council leader a budget boost for partnership with Scottish Eddie McAvoy. Based on current S Power – is in addition to the tonnage of material recycled CITIZENS’ PANEL VERDICT Council is right on service priorities pensioners that could help council’s offer of ten free and composted by the council, it them cut their electricity low energy light bulbs for would make South Lanarkshire bills, improve their health, pensioner households. Scotland’s top recycling council. help with their household The move is part of the Councillor McAvoy believes council’s drive to see South South Lanarkshire’s success budgets and transform the Lanarkshire take a leading owes a lot to the high profi le homes of those who are role in tackling the growing council tenants. effects of climate change. It will: “On the face of it, it may not seem like much,” ● Give pensioner households a new Give us more said council leader Eddie annual £50 grant which they can use McAvoy, “but, for instance, in any way they want ● if we could get every one of Give pensioner households ten South Lanarkshire’s 137,000 energy saving light bulbs which the This information can be made available ohouseholdsn request ,to switch to low This information can be made available on request, Energy Saving Trust estimates could in other languages such as Chinese, Urdenergyu, Pun lightjabi bulbs,or the effect in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or cut electricity bills by up to £1080 would be dramatic.” Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 over the lifetime of the bulbs Mr McAvoy said that the ● Transform the homes of hundreds 016low98 4energy5429 6bulbs use up to 01698 454296 of pensioner council tenants through 80 per cent less electricity HomeHappening of the same! the council’s than standard incandescent NE of the council’s fi rst these refl ected the council’s policy of programme bulbs to generate the same ● actions following the protecting front-line services: Give the area’s pensioners free amount of light. ● access to all South Lanarkshire leisure 1996 local government Social Work is to get almost 01698 4And542 9he6 estimated that if O 016£6million98 45429 of6 new investment, with centres every household in South reorganisation was to set up education getting over £5 million, an The decision to give pensioner Lanarkshire was to switch to awareness campaign that kicked the country’s fi rst Citizens’ extra £2.15 million will go to Roads, households ten free energy saving low energy lighting, it could off the council’s recycling drive. the Care of Gardens scheme gets light bulbs is not just recognition of Panel. 01698 45save429 6up to a staggering “Our blue bin drive was 01698 4another54296 £150,000, the council’s climate the strain on the household budgets Its 1800 members - drawn from £10 million in power and launched with a mobile change programme is boosted by of pensioners due to ever-rising the council’s four geographic areas replacement costs. awareness vehicle acting as £1.43million and anti-social behaviour electricity costs. – were to operate as an all-important “The fact is that what we a one-stop shop and touring measures get another £1.3million Council leader Eddie McAvoy sees sounding board to help formulate know as standard light bulbs exhibition to highlight our ● In schools, the new money will go it as a key measure in the council’s council policy. – a 19th century technology campaign to cut landfi ll waste. to providing additional investment in bid to tackle the growing effects of And at this year’s special budget 01698 4542–9 wastes6 most of the power “It visited communities and 01698 454information296 technology and providing climate change. COUNCIL meeting,C councillorsOUN heardC thatI LSouth it consumes – some 95% it is housing estates throughout a cash injection to buy more text books Only last month the council than match any council tax increase estimated - on heat. Lanarkshire’s spending priorities had TAX BANDS South Lanarkshire offering TAX BANDS ● A £750,000 investment in Working signed the Scottish Climate pensioners face. “For instance, the low been given the ‘thumbs up’ by the The full range of council tax bands THE latest For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: people the chance to fi nd out The full range of council tax bands For a copy in large print, braille, or on tforap Familiese please couldpho nopene: the door to Change Declaration and pledged (excluding the Scottish Water and energy replacement for Panel members.(excluding the Scottish Water and council budget 0The169 new8 45 grant,4296 which can be used more about the need to recycle. EXTRA funding will go to improve roads01 and698 amenities454296 in towns and work, training or education for 800 to target a signifi cant reduction in Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: They wereSewe toldrage Tthatax) fo ther 20 0outcome7/8* is: promises in any way pensioners want, should a standard 60-watt bulb “We also issued each villages like Biggar. greenhouse gas emissions from of the in-depth consultation exercise parents high standard start to be available during April and typically uses only about 18 householder taking part in out ● its own operations, and calling on A: £742.00 – which thisA year: £saw74 the2.0 continuation0 Additional investment in care accommodation May. watts. recycling campaign a Waste member of the community depends. improvements to roads and to towns communities throughout South of youth and senior citizens focus within residential homes and schools, B: £865.67 for all senior “That is a signifi cant and Recycling guide. It spells B: £865.67 “Almost four years ago we and villages that will contribute to a Lanarkshire to join them in a Scottish- Turning to the council’s decision to groups - was that the public want ensuring that children and young citizens, plus difference and one study has out exactly what is involved in published FourCast, our four-year thriving and modern economy with a backed bid to tackle what’s being give the area’s pensioners free access more of the same. people with special needs receive the C: £989.33 free entrance South Lanarkshire’s leisure centres, claimed that phasing out the programme, gives details C: £989.33 action plan that spelled out our range of facilities and amenities to suit called the global warming time-bomb. old bulbs would avoid the For the message from the Panel all needs. best quality of care available at the D: £1113.00 to all council the council leader urged as many of the importance of recycling, D: £1113.00 commitments to the people of South earliest opportunity At the same time, the Energy leisure centres. release of 700 million tons of the type of materials to recycle, and the various linked focus groups Lanarkshire. “At the same time we have created pensioners to take up the offer. ● Funding to support the strategy Saving Trust estimates that ten of carbon into the atmosphere uplift dates and a whole range that gave their views as part of the a budget designed to achieve the E: £1360.33 “We already give pensioners free E: £1360.33 “In that plan we made a number of of maintaining links with relatives, the energy saving bulbs could cut each year. of other information. budget decision-making process, was highest possible standards in our electricity bills by up to £1080 over entrance to our swimming pools, as that there should be no change to the pledges. neighbours and friends within the F: £1607.67 “That’s why in particular “The reality is that household F: £1607.67 schools; improve the quality of life for the lifetime of the bulbs, which last well as free swimming lessons for the council’s spending priorities. “This year’s budget means that local community for children and steps was that while others were very best. I know the contribution I will be urging pensioner recycling is not just the way children and families; ensure a cleaner up to 12 times longer than ordinary over-60s. not only are we delivering on those young people cared for by South closing theirG residential: £185 facilities5.00 for so many of them have made over households in South forward,” explained Councillor WelcomingG: the£ Panel’s1855 .fi 0ndings,0 and safer environment and help light bulbs. pledges, and seeing the continuation Lanarkshire Council older people, South Lanarkshire was the years, and it is only right that “But it is a recognised fact that Lanarkshire to take up our McAvoy. “I believe more and council leader Eddie McAvoy said reduce crime. H: £2226.00 H: £2226.00 of policies that are helping transform ● In fact, the Energy Saving Trust say creating what have been hailed as should they stay in residential exercise is good for you – no matter offer. If they do, they will more people are recognising public expectations of council services “In effect, it is a budget that will Further improvements to roads, the social conditions of the people that in most homes, lighting accounts fi ve-star facilities. accommodation of the highest what age you are. That’s why we save money. that in terms of the threat of were, quite rightly, high. see every section of the community contributing to a thriving and modern of South Lanarkshire – but with our for around 10 to 15 % of an electricity He said: “It is a fact that the over- standard. have now opened up free access to all “But more importantly, global warning recycling is “From education to housing, from benefi t; a budget that refl ects the economy programme to rebuild almost all ● bill. 65s are theH fastestouseho lgrowingders are re msectorinded tofha t “With our new annual £50 grant South Lanarkshire Leisure’s facilities we would all be truly doing crucial to the future of the social workHo utose communityholders are re msafety,inded t htheat hopes and ambitions that this council Additional investment to ensure a of our 124 primary schools, we are Councillor McAvoy said that over the South Lanarkshireincluded in the ipopulationr Council Tax bill for pensioner households we are in for the area’s pensioners. something that could make a planet.” expectationsincl uofde thed in tpeopleheir Cou nofci lSouthTax bil l has for South Lanarkshire. cleaner and safer environment and will be the Water and Sewerage Tax will be the Water and Sewerage Tax exceeding them. the past four years the council’s Whilst we are seeing big decreases another small way recognising the difference.” Lanarkshire are, quite rightly, high. help reduce crime which is set by Scottish Water. “We believe this could go some The council leader said that which is set by Scottish Water. “It is a budget that will enhance the Citizens’ Panel budget consultation in the number of births and in the contribution our pensioners have way to enhance the quality of life, The council will publicise a key to winning the hearts and “Our pre-school youngsters, our “And now we are going even quality of life of the people of South ● Almost £1million will provide process put facilities and services for age range* from birth to 29 – down made over the years.” and encourage healthier lifestyles, details of the free energy minds of the public was the senior* citizens and every member of further in our support of South Lanarkshire for generations to come.” Vehicle Activated Signs [VAS] at pensioners among their key priorities. over 20%, we are seeing a 95% rise in The grant can be used in any way and it matches our partnership saving initiatives and how to introduction of waste awareness our communities deserves the very Lanarkshire’s growing population Highlighting some of the areas the entry to settlements throughout That was why the council has those over 90, with a 33% rise in those pensioners decide, but as an example strategy with NHS Lanarkshire and qualify in the spring. offi cers who knocked on best services. of the over 65s with the introduction that will benefi t from the almost South Lanarkshire. The signs – which been addressing those priorities in a between 85 and 90 and a 22.5% rise in of what it could mean, Councillor NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to doors explaining why we were “That’s not surprising when you of a new annual £50 grant for every £21million of extra cash agreed by the highlight a change in speed limits number of ways. those between 75 and 79. McAvoy said that, for instance, the improve the general health of older introducing recycling. consider that on a daily basis we pensioner household. council at its special budget meeting, - have been proven to improve road And one of the most positive “Our senior citizens deserve the new £50 annual grant for would more folk in the area. deliver services on which every “This year we will also fund further Councillor McAvoy pointed out that safety. Page 6 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 7

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Resources is the council’s most diverse service and provides important frontline services that are used on a daily basis by residents and visitors HOUSING PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE Council building for the future to South Lanarkshire – cleansing, transport, environmental health, school meals, arts and cultural provision, consumer and trading standards amongst Helping to others. Many of the services we deliver are required by law and all have a significant impact on the health, social, economic and environmental wellbeing of OUTH Lanarkshire’s New Housing different sites across the South Lanarkshire area, and interest to the private sector have been improved to has ‘grown’ £9million-worth of Government funding local communities and people. Partnership initiative was set up in such a degree that house builders are now actively 1998 to: into a £64million of housing. seeking out more opportunities to build there. S There were a lot of sites that the council was keen keep the ● Below are a few examples of the type of services and projects that we have been successfully delivering as part of the council’s FourCast commitments. Provide affordable new homes for rent to see developed as part of its regeneration strategy The New Housing Partnership has already ● Build new houses for sale to create a better – but the private sector simply did not view them as achieved more than 1,000 new homes including housing mix in key areas an economic prospect. a number which are built to very exacting ● Provide houses for people with specialist needs The answer was to packaged these sites up with specifications for people with severe disabilities. old EK including older people and those being discharged ones to attract developers. And by working with About half of the new houses are for rent through a from long stay hospital Housing Associations, Communities Scotland and variety of housing associations. ● Transform communities which had become run Scottish Enterprise – the council was able to pool KEEPING IN THE FOURFRONT! down or marred by derelict land resources and prepare the way for investment in For 90-year-old Marion Robertson, South spirit The council has worked with six housing new homes for rent and for sale. Lanarkshire’s NHP initiative brought her associations and four property developers at 26 Now many sites which were previously of no ‘independence and safety’... SOUTH Lanarkshire Council is passionate about the need to sustain a balanced community in East Kilbride to enable people born and bred there to be able to stay where they are rooted. Tenants’ right to buy their council homes has seen the number of properties available to rent severely Independence reduced as the council’s stock of homes has passed into private ownership. Indeed, the situation became so acute that the available stock of rented housing fell from A B C more than 25,000 in the 1980s to 6000 by 2003. South Lanarkshire Council was days for Marion determined to confront that issue head-on. I’M not moving into Lindsayfield in East Kilbride, which represented a £23million a home,” was Marion investment in the provision of “Robertson’s immediate homes for rent, shared ownership reaction when the idea was and homes for sale, is testament to first suggested to her. its innovative yet practical approach to providing a solution to a complex After all, she was a sprightly problem. 88-year-old who had valued her independence and had no intention of It is one of a seven-strong package of sites developed by the authority in D E F giving that up. Yet within minutes of arriving at partnership with non-profit housing Trust Housing Association’s supported associations and the private sector living complex in Germiston Crescent, – in this case Persimmon Partnership East Kilbride, Marion took one look Homes and Cairn Housing around and promptly changed her Association. mind. The unique nature of the Two years later and Marion, who Lindsayfield site enabled the recently celebrated her 90th birthday expansion of the partnership to with a party in the bright and spacious include Communities Scotland, communal lounge attended by family, East Kilbride & District Housing residents and staff, has never looked This information can be made available on request, in other languages such as Chinese, UAssociationrdu, Punjab andi or the then Kirk Care back. Housing Association, now the Trust There are 18 flats, two of which Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 Housing Association. are for couples, with a comfortable It was part of the council’s living room, bedroom and kitchen 01698 454296 wider New Housing Partnership G H I – most importantly it gives residents their own front door, retaining that all programme, which was launched important element of independence. with the aim of generating more than The complex provides a supported £64million worth of investment in 016affordable98 45429 6housing across the district J living environment for the over 60s, with the level of support individually and to provide more than 1000 new tailored to each resident’s specific homes. needs. MARION Robertson has found happiness and security in her new flat in East Kilbride. 01698 45At42 9Lindsayfield6 there is a mix of Opened two years ago, the properties for sale and rent: complex is part of South Lanarkshire union official and then moved into Marion said: “Looking back, I the year such as Halloween, Christmas - 93 new homes for rent including Council’s New Housing Partnership politics, while she had her hands full had very good neighbours but I was and New Year. 28 for frail, older people Initiative that sees them working looking after their five children – two quite lonely and here the thing I most Marion has always kept herself - 34 homes for sale in tandem with non-profit housing boys and three girls. appreciate is the company, as I was on active and had a great passion for my own a lot of the time before. - 12 shared ownership homes. associations, such as Trust, and the John, who died in 1987, served as sequence dancing. Indeed, she was016 98 454296 private sector to provide much-needed a LanarkshireCO councillorUN Con theI Lthen “I am really very happy here and dancing on her 85th birthday but, alas, In October, 2002 work started affordable housing both in terms of LanarkshireTA XCountyB CouncilAN DandS it is reassuring to know that if I need has had to give it up after developing at the entrance to the site on the accommodation to rent and buy in Motherwell and Wishaw Council from help there is someone there. I’ve only Fproblemsor a cop withy in lherarg eankle.print, braille, or on tdevelopmentape please pofh oa nfurthere: eight East Kilbride. 1946, andThe wasfull ra electednge of co asunc anil ta MPx ba ninds had to call on them once or twice and sheltered bungalows and 18 very (excluding the Scottish Water and 016When98 45 she’s429 6not down in the lounge And one of the most acute shortages 1961 at a by-electionSewerage Tax )info rPaisley.2007/8* is He: was that’s when I’ve fallen and haven’t having a chinwag with her chums, sheltered flats for frail older people. in the town has been accommodation a co-founder of the Scottish Labour been able to get back up. It gives me Marion keeps herself busy with her Council leader Eddie McAvoy said A Recycling Health Boards and other partners F The Arts H Healthy Meal Options J East Kilbride Town Centre peace of mind to know I am safe.” for the elderly, an issue complexes Party in 1976A: and£ retired742. 0from0 politics favourite crochet, crosswords and the project was an excellent example to make South Lanarkshire a safer such as Germiston Crescent are Thanks to you our recycling rates Every year over 200 arts events, for all schoolchildren Development in 1979. Although three meals a day are remains a voracious reader. of how the partnership approach can place and address any crime helping to address. B: £865.67 As a busy mother-of-five whose available there is only demand for She doesn’t do much cooking these help the council meet local housing are now averaging 37% and growing programmes, exhibitions and classes Healthy choice menus have now We will work with the private sector lunch among the residents and, concerns. There is a broad age range among husband wasC: more£9 often89. 3on3 days, preferring to have her lunch needs - one of the major challenges (one of the highest recycling rates and courses are held in our cultural been rolled out successfully in all to take forward the proposed residents, with the youngest in their in the lounge, but well remembers facing the authority. in Scotland). venues South Lanarkshire Primary and extension to East Kilbride Town 60s and the eldest 94 and, according D: £1113.00 as a busy housewife how she used D Consumer Protection to housing co-ordinator Jeanette It is reassuring to know that if I Mairi Brown, director East Secondary schools. Centre and create new state of the E: £1360.33 to spend most of the afternoon Kilbride & District Housing Muir, there is a “very strong sense of preparing a good, homemade meal Each year we obtain around art cultural and leisure facilities. community”. Association, agrees the new housing B Health Improvement G Great Outdoors Fneed: £16 help07.67 there is someone there for five hungry mouths and then see it £750,000 for local residents who Marion, whose late husband “disappear in under 10 minutes flat”. partnership project is playing a vital Each year we undertake over 5500 I John was MP for Paisley, says she is role in helping to redress the town’s have been mis-sold faulty or In 2006 Chatelherault was awarded Lanarkshire Waste G : £ 1 8 5 5 . 0 0 - MARION ROBERTSON Of course, the other thing that keeps absolutely delighted with her flat and desperate shortage of housing. visits and inspections to ensure that misleading goods and services. 5 star visitor attraction status from Strategy Marion busy is remembering the relishes the fact she has retained her H: £2226.00 She says it has provided a the food you buy in cafes, shops and VisitScotland putting it on a par according to Jeanette Muir, it’s not birthdays of her 17 grandchildren and independence but within a safe and parliamentary business in London “creative solution” to one of the restaurants is safe to eat. Working with North Lanarkshire unusual for them to start their meal at 17 great grandchildren. E with some of Scotland’s leading secure environment. than at home and then busy helping Cleaner Environment Council and other partners, we are 1pm and still be sitting there chatting Marion, whose fresh complexion defining problems facing not just attractions. It is, she says, “the best of both constituents,Hou sMarioneholders hadare r enomi ntimeded t hforat a until almost 3pm. belies her 90 years, says her secret East Kilbride but so many parts of Every day our teams are out ensuring developing a long term plan to deal worlds”, adding: “I enjoy my own ‘career herselfinclu danded in says,their Cinou anyncil T case,ax bill “in C Community Safety ingredient is E45 cream that she has Scotland. our streets are litter free, graffiti is with future waste disposal options company but it’s lovely being able my day,will b wivese the W adidn’tter and work”.Sewerage Tax And the social scene is one of the which is set by Scottish Water. aspects Marion enjoys most, going used for 30 years, that and a healthy “This approach has provided We work in partnership with the tackled quickly and that our open and to make further strides in to come down to the lounge when I She moved to East Kilbride 30 feel like it and have a blether with the years ago to Quebec Drive and was along to all the planned activities such diet that includes a lot of fresh fruit. a good way of delivering social Police, Fire and Rescue Service, spaces are well maintained. recycling. * as the coffee evenings held three times She never smoked, though with a housing in partnership with the Community Resources other ladies.” understandably reluctant to leave Originally from Wishaw, Marion her friends and neighbours when the a week. twinkle in her eye, admits she sneaked private sector,” said Mairi. and engineer husband John, settled in idea of moving into a more supported A residents’ social committee has the odd one when she was younger Mairi added: “It’s all about If you want to find out more about Community Resources services please log on to www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk or call 01698 455708. Motherwell where he worked as an living environment was initially been set up and they organise regular and at a party or out with friends but creating and sustaining balanced engineer before becoming a full-time suggested. activities and party nights throughout never developed the habit. communities.” Page 8 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 9

HOME HAPPENING Meet one of the 11,000 families who just love their new kitchen... and one of the team that helps make it happen NEWS IN BRIEF

● FAIRHILL in Hamilton is to get a new £9m Integrated Community Facility which will include a community hall with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The hall will Quality and style ...on the house be sub-dividable to allow its flexible use for smaller group activities. The hall will also be supported by dedicated kitchen £3MILLION A MONTH FRIENDLY AND and bar facilities. It will also have new, PROGRAMME RAISES modern library with ACTIVE WARM SERVICE IT learning centre with an increased number of PCs as HOUSING STANDARDS FROM ALAN well as fitness suites with a gym specially equipped for children HE council’s award-winning and young people and a dance HomeHappening programme has ENANT satisfaction levels studio that can be subdivided invested more than £3million a with the choice of kitchen for different uses. This area T would be used for a range of and bathroom products month over the past two years to deliver a T classes and activities. new South Lanarkshire housing standard and with the way we carry out A community café area will for tenants. the improvements are both offer meals and snacks and there will be a range of rooms It has seen massive improvements to both the running at 99% - thanks to effective team-working by where local groups can meet internal and external condition of tenants’ homes, as or where the council or its well as delivering a range of linked environmental everyone involved. partners can deliver services improvements. HomeHappening clearly represents such as housing surgeries, Now Scotland’s largest council housing a fundamental step-change from mere benefits enquiries or health improvement programme is set to spend almost ‘delivery of services’ to high levels of activities. £34million to provide individual Kitchen and Bathroom customer ‘satisfaction with services’. A Council Q&A enquiry modernisations another 3,250 homes. Our 24 customer liaison officers (CLOs) service which will act as a one Already 11,000 homes have received a modern are a key component of the team stop shop for local residents. kitchen and bathroom and thousands of tenants that helps our housing improvement There will also be specialist and their families now also enjoy lower energy bills programme happen. facilities for disabled day-care through better insulation, more efficient appliances Here ALAN McKILLOP tells what’s users and new accommodation and low-energy lighting too. involved in a typical day in the life of a for the local Credit Union who This means that some 40% of our entire housing customer liaison officer. are a full partner in the project stock of 27,200 properties has been improved in the ● first three years of the HomeHappening programme. A £4.55 million “This job’s all about helping people. redevelopment of the Jock Put another way, the homes of more than one tenant It’s vital that customers – that’s our in every three have been modernised so far. Stein Sports Barn is set to be tenants – are fully aware of what’s completed shortly. One man who knows just what the transformation involved when it comes to getting their The new-look facility will means is Rutherglen tenant Andrew Paul. He told home improved, and what preparations boast three new grass grade his local Tenants and Residents Association recently: they can do in advance to help as this A full size football pitches, a “We’re pleased with the housing improvement helps things to go ahead as planned. refurbished full size synthetic programme. It’s really making a noticeable difference, “But that doesn’t mean everything pitch with a modern third both internally to our homes and, externally, in runs smoothly all the time. There will generation surface and a new the wider community... we now feel we’re getting This information can be made available on request, also be snags in a huge programme like This information can be made available onfitnessreque ssuitet, equipped with a something back – that we’re getting value for money in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or HomeHappening, which is the largest in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu,rangePunj aofb icardioor vascular and and that the council cares for its people as well as its council house improvement programme weight equipment. houses” Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 THE Pauls toast the Home Happening team after the intsallation of their new kitchen. in Scotland. For instance, too often There will also be an area “These investments make sound financial sense,” 01698 454296 people forget to tell us when they’re 01698that45 4can29 be6 used as a dance explained Eddie McAvoy, council leader. “By going out, or they sometimes forget CUSTOMER liaison officer Alan McKillop with tenant Elaine Scott in her completed kitchen (above) and joiners at studio or for a range of other work during her kitchen renovation (below). upgrading homes internally and externally, we can appointments we make with them, so classes and activities. reduce the cost of ongoing repairs and maintenance. “ no-access visits are a big issue for us For example, there has been a welcome decline of and it regrettably causes delays - not improvement work - is perhaps one of ● COMMUNITY groups in more than 5% (representing nearly 6,000 individual Rent rises pegged at £1.77p01698 4 54a296 week only for us, but also for the neighbours the most satisfying part of the job. 01698 4Douglas,54296 Glespin and Coalburn housing repairs) in repairs reported by tenants over who are waiting to have their homes “The final decision on this is made have been urged to apply for improved. by referring the tenant to Social Work funding from the Hagshaw the last four years - thanks in part to the impact of the SOUTH Lanarkshire council house rents in as part of the negotiations in 2002 that led housing improvement programme, which has HomeHappening programme in raising the standard of “As a customer liaison officer, I’m for an occupational therapy assessment Hill Windfarm Community more thousands of council houses 2007 will be an average £52.34 in South to the ground-breaking HomeHappening already01698 4delivered54296 nearly 11,000 kitchen and working with people all the time - it’s – to date, we’ve helped more than0 1698 4542Trust96 which has been providing 670 people who were not previously “This has resulted in more properties being in a Lanarkshire – a rise of only £1.77 per week. to renew 25,000 kitchens and 22,500 bathroom modernisations. what makes the job interesting and financial support to groups in Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “During bathrooms by 2010. “With 99% of tenants and customers ultimately satisfying. identified as requiring this kind of rural South Lanarkshire for better state of overall repair and – with an average support – to continue living in their cost of £136 per repair - this improvement represents talks with tenants in the run up to the launch “So I am pleased that, by effective satisfied with their Home Happening housing “But the important thing for tenants more than six years. is to know that we’re here to help sort homes by installing special aids and savings of more than £800,000 in council house repairs of HomeHappening housing improvement management, we have kept the increase as upgrades, the success rates speak for Funds are available for out the snags with the builders. It’s all adaptations. costs.” groups and organisations programme, I pledged that for the first 10 low as possible and have made great strides themselves and clearly demonstrate we’re about helping people and improving “First thing each day, I visit tenants’ ● Every tenant whose home is due for improvement COUNCIL 01698 454296 COUNCIL 01698 454296involved in projects or activities years of the programme, rent increases forward in the HomeHappening programme. repaying the faith placed in us by the tenants the quality of life for tenants – our homes that are due to for works to during the year is individually notified in writing and that improve recreational TAXwouldBA be Nno DmoreS than inflation-plus 1%. “We are firmly committed to working with of South Lanarkshire to deliver the scale and customers. TAX BANDS start that day and make sure that they public information boards detailing the HomeHappening are fully prepared for the works and or leisure provision in the The full range“Thisof cou nformulacil tax ba nwasds agreed with tenants tenants to ensureFo efficientr a copy deliveryin larg eofp therint , braillequality, or on ofta improvementspe please pho promised.”ne: “For example, just after we’d fitted The full range of council tax bands For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: programme will be displayed in local Area Offices. also that access is available for the area, relieve poverty or need, (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 the new kitchen units at the home (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 improve the environment or Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: of Elaine Scott in Neilsland Road, Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: operatives to get on with the job. “Each day, I meet up with the conserve/restore local heritage. A: £742.00 Hamilton, a leak developed. This A: £742.00 meant we had to remove some of the operational technical officer on-site to ● THE synthetic pitches at B: £865.67 units to get access to the pipes and this B: £865.67 look at what works are planned for that East Kilbride’s Ballerup Sports temporarily slowed up the next step in day to enable me to inform the tenants Fields are to be refurbished. £3000 in prizes for young homes designers C: £989.33 the process – which was putting up the C: £989.33 and arrange access for works. A full size third generation new tiles on the kitchen splashback. home, it’s not necessarily for the whole or coffee – while building work is on- “Then I make a tour of all ‘live’ D: £1113.00 D: £1113.00 ‘carpet’ will be installed onto MORE than 7000 primary school pupils Councillor Dick explained: one of 124 primary schools which are being “Not surprisingly, Elaine was a bit day. going in their home. properties – that’s just term we use to the existing pitch site during E: £1360.from33 across South Lanarkshire are “HomeHappening is the largest council- completely rebuilt or fully refurbished disappointed – who wouldn’t be? “My role Eas: a CLO£13 is6 to0 .act33 as ‘the “A large part of my work is mean that there is actual building work the summer. currently competing to win up to £3000 for housing improvement programme in under the council’s groundbreaking – but unfortunately snags like this customer’s champion’ by ensuring that communication – listening to customer ongoing in the house – to make sure ● MORE than £100,000 is to be F: £1607.their67 schools in a competition to design Scotland and it has delivered and fitted Schools Modernisation Programme. just happen sometimes. However, by tenant needsF :and £issues160 are7.6 identified7 needs and requirements, co-ordinating that the tenants are happy with the ‘Homes Of The Future’. nearly 11,000 Kitchen and Bathroom making sure Elaine knew what was in advance of construction work home visits and the ‘march-in’ way things are going and to check if spent on the woodland areas The project will see all of the council’s throughout South Lanarkshire G: £1855.0The0 competition has been organised housing modernisations throughout South going on, it maintained mutual trust commencing.G: We provide£1855 an.0 0on-site process (surveys, etc) and arranging they need any help with things for the primary and secondary schools undergo ‘problem-solving’ advice and assistance appointments with tenants. next day. to ensure these spaces are by HomeHappening - the council’s Lanarkshire. st and respect between tenants and H: £2226.00 transformation to 21 century education service for customersH: £2 2on2 6 any.0 0tenant conserved, planted and housing improvement programme – and is “So the ‘Homes Of The Future’ HomeHappening and we got on with “It’s during the home visits that “I advise them of the nature of the standards.” issues which may arise relating to the managed properly to protect sponsored by Jewson Graham, Symphony competition has been designed on the job. And at the end of day, Elaine is we can make an initial assessment as works and establish, whether they have HomeHappening programme. our woodland environment Group plc and CCG Ltd, the private sector theme of ‘modernity’ as one of the main To date, the primary modernisation very happy with her modernised home. to whether a tenant is likely to need special arrangements for going out of Householders are recompaniesminded that who work in partnership with aims of the HomeHappening programme programme has rebuilt 11 schools, all of “We help people by telling them “As wellH oasus theeho lkitchenders are r eandmin dbathroomed that special adaptations to their home – such their home whilst work is in progress. ● SOUTH Lanarkshire’s included in their Couthenci lcouncilTax bill to deliver the programme. is to deliver homes truly fit for the 21st which have successfully opened. Works what’s involved in the improvement upgrades –in andclude customerd in their Co choiceuncil Ta xinb ill as lever-handles on taps and or an “Finally, once all the building work growing Fair Trade Initiative will be the Water and Sewerage Tax kitchenwill andbe th ebathroomWater and fitmentsSewerage -T aasx a adapted bathroom. The competition was launched recently century. on the 19 new secondary schools are process – it can be a bit of an upheaval is complete, I then visit each tenant in is to benefit from £50,000 which is set by Scottish Water. landlord,which theis s ecouncilt by Sco talsotish W hasater .a legal their home and give them a customer at Chatelherault primary school in Councillor Smith added: “Chatelherault progressing very well with 10 schools having the work done – so that “Helping people with special needs following the success of a pilot duty to ensure that the electrical wiring satisfaction form to complete. * Hamilton by Councillors Alan Dick, MBE, Primary School was selected as the venue currently underway towards modern-day customers know what’s involved, * to continue to live more comfortably scheme to determine if pupils is also upgraded to comply with (Chair of Housing & Technical Resources) for the launch event as it supports the standards. The secondary programme is what work will be getting done, when - and independently, for longer in their “This form is particularly important would prefer Fair Trade Orange modern standards where necessary. own home than would otherwise have HomeHappening and Mary Smith, Chair of Education ‘modernity’ theme of the ‘Homes Of The due for completion in 2009 and the primary it will be done, and why. It’s also to us as it helps the Juice to dried fruit. The pilot important people realise that although “We also help people by arranging been the case without HomeHappening Resources, assisted by P7 pupils Nicola Future’ competition. modernisation programme is expected to team identify where we can improve showed the uptake of the juice work will be carried out every day respite areas - where they have access aids and adaptations being installed Pate and Fraser McLachlan (picture left). “In addition, this brand new school is run until 2016. our customer service – if need be – in as an alternative was 96.4%. HomeHappening is taking place in their to facilities and can make a cup of tea as part of the modernisation and future.“ Page 10 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 11

The provision of education of the highest quality for children EDUCATION £780million programme will build 108 new Primary schools in our schools has been top of our FourCast agenda.” A host Major investment to improve school buildings. of new In what is one of the biggest primary and Now that’s worth secondary school modernisation programmes in services the UK the council has shown its commitment to improve all of its school buildings. A £400 million investment will modernise all on our of the area's 124 primary schools. a smiley face! Primary Schools Modernisation website Programme OUTH Lanarkshire primary pupils will be will see 108 new primary schools being built SOUTH Lanarkshire council’s learning in the country’s most modern website is set to notch up 600,000 with major refurbishment in the remaining 16. Sand best equipped schools as a result hits this year. of the council’s decision to increase the Designs on the future Increasingly the public are number of new-build schools from 69 to 108. discovering and switching on to £290 million is being spent on the benefits of e-government. modernising Secondary Schools Already the first of the new schools have opened to More than 50,000 people lavish praise and have brought ‘smiley faces’ to pupils and The Secondary Schools Programme will deliver a month now visit www. Curriculum for Excellence teachers alike. southlanarkshire.gov.uk to find 19 brand new schools and see refurbishment Now - at a cost of over £780million and funded with the information they need or use work undertaken at Hamilton Grammar and The educational process itself is changing. New technologies are making information available the help the public-backed 1% council tax add-on - South the Contacting Us page to get in as never before and offer exciting potential to enrich learning. There is now an opportunity to How do we know Lanarkshire’s youngsters will enjoy schools that are already touch. Stonelaw High school. being seen as the model for others. recognise fully the talents and contributions of the growing range of adults currently involved in what progress we “As ownership of computers The Council has also successfully developed the For the Scottish Executive is using Chatelherault Primary linked to the internet grows, educating our children, and to reflect the developing role of the school as a partner with parents, have made over the and St Bride’s Primary on their website as case studies to and the speed of broadband first ever PPP project in which no council other providers of services for children, colleges and other organisations, and the community. “help to inform local authorities and others involved in the continues apace, there is no employees will be forced to transfer to the last four years? planning, briefing and design of school estates projects in doubt that the internet is private sector. This is the challenge for the next decade. Scotland.” becoming an increasingly In 2004, Her Majesty’s Inspectors The council had previously set out on a massive important arm of the council’s conducted a review of the services £400million programme to rebuild 69 primaries and day-to-day business,” said delivered by Education in South modernise the remaining 55. Councillor Eileen Logan, chair of the council’s Finance Lanarkshire. They sought the But at the council’s special budget meeting, council leader Eddie McAvoy announced that South Lanarkshire and Information Technology views and opinions of parents, was to rebuild 108 primaries and give the area a virtually committee. pupils, headteachers, other staff, all-new primary school estate. “And those logging on are councillors, School Boards and Of the remaining 16 which will get a complete 21st finding that using the council’s Education at the FourFront century modernisation, four are listed buildings and 12 secure site to pay council bills other stakeholders on the were built within the last 15 years. It means that every one could not be easier.” A Nursery Place for All Libraries Achievements education services provided in But it’s not just about paying 3-5 year olds Education Resources are also responsible for Education is about recognising achievement: South Lanarkshire. bills,” Councillor Logan explained. the 25 public libraries and the mobile service. Over the last four years there have been many Over 4,500 places are available and every child The report, one of the best in For the site also links to between 3 and 5 has the opportunity to attend featuring children and staff . Our Future’s Here Libraries now have modern IT facilities as Scotland, highly commended the - South nursery. quality of education services Lanarkshire’s online recruitment well as books and CDs. Through the ActiveIT • Employee of the Year Award service where you can apply provided in South Lanarkshire programme many people of all ages have learned • Teacher of the Year Award online for jobs. As well as its to children, young people and own run how to use computers and experience the • 5,000 certificates of achievement presented This information can be made available on Are lotqu eofs tprogress, has been benefits of e-mail and free access to the internet. their families. in other languages such as Chinese, Urdmadeu, Pu noverjab itheor past few years nurseries the to children to ensure the that people can STRATHAVEN Academy, like all of our With JimHi nThom,di: Pl eDuncanrig’sase phone: Project01698 454296 Council also • The 60th Anniversary Holocaust Memorial The Inspector’s paid tribute to turn to the website 24-hours-a- Event schools, has many a budding star and Manager, and Alan Lowe, chief architect day to arrange services or seek works with the Council’s strong sense of this one is in the field of architecture. 01698 454296 • Scottish Education Awards made to schools for the secondary schools modernisation information from the council. providers of direction and purpose, and the Sixth-year student Sally Hadidi, who has and nurseries The site even includes an nursery places commitment and motivation of decided the world of building design is the programme as her guides, Sally was able online TV station with regular • Library Building Awards in the private staff were seen to be major way forward for her, spent a morning at to get an insight into the detail that goes news updates on what’s • COSLA Awards happening in South Lanarkshire sector to ensure strengths in its performance. the new Duncanrig Secondary School site. into developing a new school. 01698 454296 st - and you can watch at a time that that children of South Lanarkshire’s 124 primary schools will be 21 century ‘compliant’. suits you. The TV station also have the hosts a wide range of films made Supporting Children and But it’s not only the pupils who will benefit from the opportunity to 01698 454by29 pupils6 at South Lanarkshire’s Families area’s new-build primary schools. SECONDARY WORK ON SCHEDULE schools. attend a local For where a new primary school is being built in an area nursery. Making a difference at grassroots ● Online services now available currently served by one of the council’s community halls, MEANWHILE, work on South Lanarkshire’s extension, while at Stonelaw High - which was on the website include: level to support the most Council leader Eddie McAvoy said they would incorporate secondary schools modernisation programme is opened only in 1996 – there will be an extensive Investment in ICT ● Paying council tax, rent or a new community wing. progressing well despite the recent wet weather. The increased use of ICT to enhance learning vulnerable children and their refurbishment. other charges families has been achieved It means the council is honouring its commitment to Currently under construction are Holy Cross Education chair, Councillor Mary Smith, said: ● has been significant over the last 10 years. You improve community facilities by creating links withC theO UNCIL 01698 454296 Making a comment or through multi-agency working High School, Calderside Academy, Duncanrig “Education is the key to success. That’s why we complaint only have to look at how comfortable young new primary schools where it is possible. Secondary School, St. Andrew’s and St. are determined to provide the very best schools with social work, housing, health TAX BANDS ● Applying for council tax people of all ages are about using computers to In the first phase of the new-build primary schools, Bride’s High School, Calderglen High School, and learning environments in which our children and the voluntary sector. The full range of council tax bands For a copy in large print, braille, or on tapdiscountse please andpho exemptionsne: see what an impact they have made in our £1.5million is being spent at five locations to create(e xcluding the ScLesmahagowottish Water and High School and Carluke High and young people’s ambitions can be nurtured ● accommodation exclusively for community use. School. Also progressing well are Cathkin High, 01698 454296 Checking the library catalogue schools and libraries. Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: and achieved.” ● This will continue with the The new primaries identified as homes to the new John Ogilvie High and Uddingston Grammar. A ‘history-creating’ element of the new Reporting roads and lighting establishment of learning community facilites in the first phase are St Elizabeth’sA : £742Work.00 is due to start later this year on faults secondary schools is that each will be able to ● communities whose focus is to Primary (Hamilton), Cathkin Primary, Rutherglen, Strathaven Academy, Larkhall Academy, Lanark incorporate a time capsule with selected items Finding out What’s On at all Hareleeshill Primary (Larkhall), Carluke Primary andB : £865.67 our venues increase social inclusion and raise Grammar and Biggar High. from their old school in the foundations of the Blacklaw Primary (East Kilbride). C: £989At.3 Hamilton3 Grammar there will be a new new school. In fact, more than 40 online attainment by targeting resources forms are available - ranging to where they are most needed. D: £1113.00 from booking a special uplift or refuse to the Care of Gardens E: £1360.33 This is the challenge for the next Cash in the class helps grow healthy minds scheme. decade. F: £1607.67 Other recent additions include APART from the South Lanarkshire’s money to help prepare pupils for best possible standard of education for all of the area’s schools and meet the to the website include a Find My The dedication and commitment of massive £1.1billion schools national examinations.G: £185 In5 .200600 South South Lanarkshire’s young people. target nutrient standards for school Nearest Service that will locate the local libraries, offices or teachers and staff in education is modernisation programme, the council LanarkshireH made: £ good222 6progress.00 with Investment in education makes meals. increasing success rates in examination elected representatives for your something that we are proud of in is to spend £253million over the next sense, said Councillor Smith, because In addition, all primary school address. year delivering classroom education. results. it would enable young people to children will continue to benefit from Activities for Young People South Lanarkshire. “While that is good news, we And there’s a consultation Almost £3million of extra cash will Householders are reminded that become successful learners, confident daily provision of fresh fruit and finder where you can find out We asked young people what type of activities and facilities they would like to see in their help enhance the curriculum, improve want to see it carry on, and so over individuals, responsible citizens and water. the next 12in cmonthsluded in tweheir willCoun investcil Tax b ill about issues currently under the Hungry for Success initiative, will be the Water and Sewerage Tax effective contributors within society. local communities at night and at week-ends. £1.3million in this area of education’s Running in tandem with the consultation and take part in improve IT equipment and buy more which is set by Scottish Water. work to ensure that level of progress One of the major contributors to massive school building programme, surveys. books and learning materials. They told us that they wanted more than the traditional youth club set up of table tennis and continues,”* said education chair doing well at school is eating well at information technology in schools So if it’s a long time since you In fact, over the next year almost £8 school. That is why the council will games. New facilities were created called Universal Connections – in Cambuslang, Councillor Mary Smith. will benefit from a £5million spend in looked at the South Lanarkshire for example, there is a music studio which is well used by young people from all areas with million will be spent on school books Councillor Smith said that if this be spending almost £2million on its the next year as part of a seven-year and learning materials, an 11.49% popular Hungry for Success initiative. £31million programme to ensure there Council website - log on now to an interest in music. The Youth Action Plan maps out the priorities for coming years. year’s education spending decisions Education Resources increase. highlighted anything, it was the It is a project that has successfully is a modern ICT environment in every www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk And there will also be more council’s determination to provide the introduced a healthy eating culture to South Lanarkshire school. Page 12 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... to Scotland’s best new town Hitting our FourCast

LMOST four years’ ago the By Council Leader Eddie McAvoy In other words, better schools; better council forged a contract housing; better residential facilities for our with the people of South copy to every home in the area. It explained senior citizens; better job opportunities; A better roads and rail links; better leisure and Lanarkshire – by mapping out exactly what we wanted to do and why. recreation facilities. In short, to make South In FourCast we set out our key policies exactly what we planned to deliver Lanarkshire a better place in which to live, and said how we would deliver them. over a four-year period – from learn, work and enjoy retirement. FourCast NOT 2003 to 2007. When we fi rst published we So in those four years how have promised to make things happen on the 60 OUT We it called FourCast, and delivered a ground - where it really matters. we done? East Kilbride is set to celebrate Better schools for Better job our children opportunities SO far we have opened 16 new primary FROM primary one to sixth year at schools. And now we have decided to secondary – our teachers have worked in party style COUNCILLOR Jim Docherty with the new East Kilbride Diamond celebration logo. increase the number of new builds from hard to create a culture of achievement 69 to 108, and refurbish the remaining 16 that inspires young people to do well. which built within the last ten to 15 years, An ambitious vocational programme AST Kilbride celebrates as well as the town’s district council, “The programme details are at a exhibition or ‘focus’ event to coincide all through our £780 million primary linking young people to college training its 60th birthday this it wasted no time in putting together very early stage at the moment,” said with the fi rst board meeting of the schools modernisation programme. and our own Modern Apprenticeship year. plans to consolidate the town’s Councillor Docherty, “but we are development corporation.” By then, we will have the most modern programme are helping more youngsters E position. It took the threatened ice rink looking at a programme running from The council’s Museums and Arts primaries in the country – and without into worthwhile jobs and training. And council business manager under its own wing and announced June to the end of the year. Development are currently planning a a single primary closure. And our £319 COUNCIL leader, Councillor Eddie McAvoy with the FourCast pledge back in 2003. And for those out of work, we have Councillor Jim Docherty has the new Centre West project – a £90 “In addition, we think there is series of events throughout 2007 under million secondary school modernisation become one of the United Kingdom’s announced that the council is gearing million retail and leisure development. also scope for a major ‘focus’ event the banner EK@60. These events programme will see 19 new state-of-the- largest jobs access providers – building up to create a party atmosphere for High quality shops are a key to East around the anniversary of the include: art secondary schools – with the fi rst peoples’ confi dence and skills to get back Scotland’s most successful new town. Kilbride’s lifeblood. The town itself inauguration the New Town or the Transform: Drama project scheduled to open later this year. Better facilities Better roads and into employment. The fi rst new town to be built north now has a population of more than fi rst board meeting of the New Town celebrating the New Towns of the border, East Kilbride has lived 80,000, but its shopping catchment Development Corporation.” This information can be made availableundertakenon reque sint, conjunction with rail links up to its promise to be one of the best area is more than 1.5 million. In Councillor Docherty said that the the National Theatre of Scotland for senior citizens places to live anywhere in Britain. total, up to 20 million people use the incouncil’sother l aarchivenguag servicees suc holdsh as Cthehi nese, Uthroughoutrdu, Punja January-Junebi or 2007. This ALREADY we have replaced most of our INFRASTRUCTURE is something we’ve Innovative planning, the loyalty and shopping facilities every year. Harchiveindi: P ofle athese formerphone East: 01 6Kilbride98 454 296 project will work with pupils from old folks homes with superb care homes worked hard to improve. Increased traffi c support of residents and the vision Now another huge plan for Development Corporation, which was East Kilbride schools. that provide people with their own and bad weather all take their toll on the of the public sector working with improvement is on the cards - a an unusually full and complete record 016Visual98 45 arts429 and6 architecture: a private facilities as well as the care they condition of the roads – especially in rural private sector partners have created massive £400 million facelift which of the activities and achievement of range of options include a visual arts need. But the number of older people areas. But we have now resurfaced more a community which is unique and SUCCESS story... Centre West. will bring yet another transformation the fi rst new town in Scotland. exhibition or seminar and a number who will need care is set to rise steeply. than 20% of our road network in just four special. and make it even more attractive. “To date, the collection has been of possible partners including The And so while others may be closing their years – and soon, for every four miles of Some other new towns have fared Now the town’s 60th anniversary is underutilised and its existence and Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for residential facilities, we are opening new road in South Lanarkshire – one will have area – becoming home to some of the 01698 454296 fi ve-star ones – as well as building new less well. But not East Kilbride. It is world’s top engineering and hi-tech be marked by a programme of events value little known. Architecture and Design. been resurfaced. We also welcomed the day care centres and also improving our opening of the Southern Orbital Road now bigger, better and more popular companies. that will involve schools and the local “Of particular interest is the Museums: Outreach events and home care service. linking East Kilbride with the main A77 than ever. community. The libraries will also photographic and audio-visual projects including: EK Schools Hundreds of families left the black Glasgow to Ayrshire Motorway as well as The new town was designated in have a key role in telling the East material within the collection which projects, ‘My EK’ and ‘Me@60’. And now we have introduced a new and bleak tenements of Glasgow to 01698 454296 £50 annual grant for South Lanarkshire’s the reopening of the Larkhall rail line. June 1947 and the fi rst board meeting make their home and fi nd work in the Kilbride story. charts the development of the new “This will be nothing more than a pensioner households, will give And our efforts to deal with litter of the East Kilbride Development booming new town. Councillor Docherty said that town from the cutting of the fi rst sod celebration of what is acknowledged pensioners free entry to all of the area’s and provide good standards of grounds Corporation (EKDC) held in August planning for a number of activities to the development of Stewartfi eld. as Scotland’s as Scotland’s – maybe When South Lanarkshire Council leisure centres, and offer pensioner maintenance have not gone unnoticed by 1947. around East Kilbride’s anniversary “The feeling is that this material even the UK’s – most successful new took over the functions of the old East households ten free energy-saving light national agencies such as Keep Britain It revolutionised industry in the year was already under way. would form the basis of the planned town,” added Councillor Docherty. Kilbride Development Corporation bulbs. Tidy. COUNCIL 01698 454296 Better leisure TAX BANDS Better housing and recreation The full range of council tax bands For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: standards (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 facilities Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: ON housing, we have introduced £400m town centre plan picks up speed WITH major projects at Rutherglen HomeHappening – Scotland’s largest A: £742.00 home improvement programme – which Town Hall and Hamilton Town House has already seen over 10,000 council now up and running, it was good to AST Kilbride’s adventurous B: £865.67 and to taking forward our programme of offering new shopping experiences – but with £400million town centre developments. the proposed arts, entertainment, a new town houses being fi tted with new kitchens and see new developments take shape at bathrooms. Whitehill – with the opening of the new modernisation plans have taken C: £989.33 “It also goes without saying that the council square and a one-door council and health centre, E would expect any new owner, along with it would create a new civic heart for the town. That’s 40% of our homes already. And neighbourhood centre and new libraries at Cambuslang and Whitehill. another major step forward with D: £1113.00 the council, to protect the status and quality Councillor McAvoy said the new ‘landmark’ as anyone who travels from Rutherglen to Hamilton by train will testify, the New Now, a funding package has been put South Lanarkshire council appointing E: £1360.33 of the town centre and, at the same time, to arts and culture complex would comprise a 1000- Hartley Cowley to provide commercial identify new opportunities for growth and seat theatre, a 500-seat civic hall and conference Housing Partnership Programme has together to upgrade Lanark’s Memorial transformed many communities as well as Hall and new sports facilities are being property advice for the project’s F: £1607.67 improvement.” centre, a new library, a museum and an arts and “What we plan is much more than the dance space. providing more than 1200 new homes. built or improved. Masterplan. G: £1855.00 regeneration of a shopping centre; we want to And a restaurant hub would be created around It follows the appointment of DLA Piper create a dynamic, integrated and accessible town the Ice Rink to extend the vibrancy of the centre H: £2226.00 centre for the next 50 years.” Solicitors as the project’s legal advisors. and create a new evening economy. HESE are just some of the developments annually that people feel good about living in South from time to time. But I believe with our partners in the public At the moment East Kilbride rightly claims to It means that two key appointments have been Public parking would increase from 3000 to Lanarkshire – and the area is thriving. and private sector, and with the backing of our residents, we boast Scotland’s biggest undercover shopping that have been central to our programme made to the team working on the huge project, 8700 spaces. HBIGouse plansholders aforre r eEastminde Kilbrided that ice rink. centre. – but there are many others... FourCast is delivering what we promised – thanks to are getting there. which could create up to 5000 jobs. included in their Council Tax bill T Councillor McAvoy said that the new plans “This is an ambitious project that will benefi t good team work within the council, with our employees, our And I believe that there is now a strong momentum to take will be tPartnershiphe Water and S isew seekingerage Tax a purchaser for its From major infrastructure projects such as the Larkhall “These are crucial appointments,” explained would not only go a long way to ensuring to our whole economy and ensure that East Kilbride partner agencies, including the voluntary sector and above all, South Lanarkshire and its communities further forward in the which isinterests.set by Scottish Water. council leader Eddie McAvoy, “because they will continue success of the town centre – which stays at the cutting edge of quality shopping well rail link to improvements to our town centres and villages our residents. years to come. lay the ground work that will lead to the next “With our £400 million plan, it will be no attracts more than 12 million shoppers a year into the new century,” added Mr McAvoy. – from Carluke to Halfway and our environmental agenda And so as we ponder the progress of the last four years and phase of the project. * Over the next seven pages we present a few surprise that there will be very strong interest in – but would bring a new dimension which He added: “There is more to town centre – which has dramatically increased the amount of waste being look ahead, I believe we can do so with more than a sense of “The move also demonstrates the council’s the East Kilbride Town Centre. would see even more big name retailers heading redevelopment than shopping. It’s much more recycled. optimism and expectation. of the highlights of FourCast 2003 to 2007 and determination not to stand back and let others “And if there is to be a sale, then we look for East Kilbride. important than that. It’s about local identity, It’s clear from the citizens’ surveys that we carry out Yes, we do still have some way to go and yes, we do slip up a photo album of some of our achievements. steal a march on East Kilbride. forward to working with a new owner to realise For the project is designed to make it a it’s about regeneration and above all it’s about “We are aware that the Scottish Retail the full potential of East Kilbride Town Centre, magnet not only for shoppers during the day by improving quality of life.“ Page 14 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 15

Holocaust Memorial Day at Hamilton Hamilton Town House played host to Scotland’s National Holocaust Memorial Day – and marked the 60th anniversary £10million for Clydesdale of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Walk to School Week £7m community leisure centre opens Award for lifelong learning Clydesdale is to get a £10.3million spending the former Nazi spree that will see a new £4million swimming The country’s fi rst integrated community leisure, lifestyle and day care extermination camp For the fi rst time since 1999 Hamilton Town House Library has pool for Lanark, over £5million to restore Top employee Alison when the council fi rst got centre has opened in Eastfi eld with the aim of signifi cantly enhancing achieved Learn Direct status for in present-day Alison Hogg, from Blackwood, who sports facilities for local schools and both the Cambuslang and Lanark Memorial Hall to its former glory, and Poland where more involved in Walk to School providing fl exible lifelong learning Council wins Investor in People award teaches primary school children Rutherglen communities. £1.3million being spent on upgrading Carluke than 1.5 million Environmental teams PoP up all over Week all 124 primary schools South Lanarkshire celebrates becoming the fi rst council in the Kerbcraft, has won the council’s ninth opportunities including a community- Leisure Centre. The £5million upgrade to Lanark people, including 200,000 were exterminated. The Graffi ti removal, litter picking, creating community gardens staged at least one activity The centre includes a dance studio/activities room, a 25m swimming pool country to be awarded the prestigious Investor in People Award. annual Employee Recognition Awards based ActiveIT suite with 12 PCs offering Memorial Hall will conserve the historic fabric event brought together Hamilton man Ian Forsyth, one or clearing up fl y-tipping are all in a day’s work for the during the national road safety with fl oating fl oor and disabled access, six outdoor, all-weather, multi- The council became the largest organisation - outwith the Army of the building and also improve the theatre for her caring and supportive attitude, free internet access and information of the fi rst British soldiers to help liberate the camp, Pride of Place environmental task force which is now event with help from the purpose pitches and changing facilities. - to pick up the award. The award is a refl ection of the great picking up the trophy plus a week’s facilities, the introduction of new modern and Polish freedom fi ghter Julian Wieciech, who had expanding from Blantyre and North Hamilton into Larkhall council’s school travel co- It is the largest council-run fi tness gym in South Lanarkshire, providing packages including CV typing, searching holiday in Jersey as a reward for her emphasis it places on ensuring that staff are given all the training services and front of house customer facilities been a prisoner at Auschwitz. and Cambuslang and Rutherglen. ordinators. opportunities for all ages and fi tness levels to participate in exercise. job sites and researching family history. they need to deliver the very best services to the public. and improved access throughout. dedication. PHOTO ALBUM

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FACTFILE HOME HAPPENING

● SINCE 1996, a total of £66million has been invested by the council in equipment and adaptations. The council is committed to ensuring that older £10m people can live in their own Modernisation homes for as long as possible. ● IN that time around 72,000 referrals have been handled and the council, responding to requests for service delivery boost for within a 28-day service delivery milestone as target. ● EACH referral is unique and each person needs to be assessed within their own home by one of the Occupational Therapy personnel to establish infi rm what support best meets that Wrights’ home individual’s care needs. ● THE focus of the OT service is to promote independence and social integration and to identify alternative ways of undertaking daily living tasks. Rehabilitation elderly training is also a key element gets new look WALTER and Eileen Wright... delighted with their new kitchen and bathroom. ANNE Jardine at home in Hamilton with her Occupational Therapist Anna Dunlop. of the OT service to help ensure each person maximises their own OUTH Lanarkshire social work chair, Councillor Jim wake up, stand up and everything is Thankfully that is no longer the case. potential. UTHERGLEN couple neighbours from Mill Street and end we’ve recently been investing Romanced blossomed the second tenants are not just fi nancial - thanks in working order, but when all that tenant delegates from across South more than £3million a month - in fact time round for widower Walter and to the good quality of the kitchen council is set to spend Handibode. “I’ve had fi rst class service and my ● A WIDE variety of solutions Walter and Eileen changes for you it gets you down. You Lanarkshire. by April 2007 – we will have spent widow Eileen after they met at the units and bathroom-ware - but the almost £10 million “Sometimes it is the simplest occupational therapist Anna is just a are available to support a variety Wright have become S things that can make the difference can start to go into a decline where gem. She is a lifeline and I’m in touch R Councillor McAvoy, explained: £89million on home and community Plaza Ballroom at Eglinton Toll in HomeHappening improvements also of conditions. Options can a year to help elderly and the latest South Lanarkshire improvements over two years. But Glasgow. The couple, who are the make daily life a little easier.” for someone with a disability coping some days you just don’t care. with her whenever it’s necessary. She include bath aids, specialist “There are many good reasons to more than that – we are also delivering longest-stay residents at Mill Street, infi rm people stay in their day-to-day.” “My life has changed for the better has a marvellously caring nature and kitchen equipment and the VITs - Very Important Tenants celebrate this achievement by the Walter added: “It’s a big investment the Scottish Housing Quality standard regularly organised social events such own homes with dignity and “If by committing this extra money because of the help I’ve received is perfectly suited to her job. installation of door entry - thanks to the council’s HomeHappening programme - in for the council, but it makes a lot of - and making council homes fi t for the as music and bingo evenings in the even more people can stay at home from the council. I have a wheelchair, “I feel I’m very lucky with the systems. More intensive fact, since we celebrated with Walter sense because, as tenants, we benefi t security. HomeHappening housing and Eileen, there’s now 11,000 reasons 21st century. common room. individually from the improvements with dignity and security, then we are specially-adapted chair, a specially service I get from the council. It is support can be offered with The latest budget boost of £500,000 fi tted bathroom, ramps, a door entry modernisation programme. to celebrate, as that’s the number of “Thanks to HomeHappening, we to our homes but the council also more than happy that we can do so.” vital for people in my position to keep the installation of stair lifts, They also enjoyed ballroom dancing follows on just months after the system and handrails. I am also linked their independence. I have a carer who The Wrights’ home at the Mill Street new kitchens and bathrooms that have are looking after our tenants - as well for many years after their wedding, benefi ts as it means there’s less And as Hamilton woman Anne handrails, kitchen adaptations, council pumped in an extra £300,000 to the 24-hour Alert system and wear helps me in the mornings and I also bedroom adaptations and sheltered housing complex in the town been fi tted by the HomeHappening as their homes and communities.” but on the eve of Walter’s latest maintenance and fewer repairs needed Jardine explains: “Although things on equipment and adaptations. my pendant at all times. All this help attend a day centre. outdoor ramps. The use of smart has become the 10,000th house to be programme since we began a little Walter and Eileen Wright had a birthday, Eileen joked: “He’s no use to to modernised homes. have drastically changed because of It means that South Lanarkshire’s has made a big, big difference to me. technology is also being adopted modernised with a new kitchen and over two years ago double reason to celebrate when their me now, because he’s too old for the “HomeHappening has made a my problems you can get on with life “It may sound like a trivial thing, £9.93 million annual spend sees it “As well as these major adaptations but I have an adapted gardening stool to help people with sensory bathroom by HomeHappening - the “HomeHappening is delivering home became the 10,000th council dancing!” world of difference for Eileen and I. if you get the right help.” continue as one of Scotland’s leading small things like a special knife I can and table I use, bringing everything impairment, physical disability largest council housing improvement what we promised. We’re delivering house to be modernised by South Walter, a retired driving instructor The kitchen is well designed, modern- councils in making it easier for older Anne has arthritis, osteoporosis use to cut up food on the days when to me at the right level. Gardening and frail older people. programme in Scotland. internal and external housing Lanarkshire Council. who took part in the D-Day landings looking and easy to use.” and angina, but thanks to adaptations folk and people with disabilities to my fi ngers just won’t do what I want was my passion for many years and ● SINCE 1996 more than 10.4 The couple were welcomed at modernisations - not only to kitchens For the couple also achieved a major in Normandy as a driver in the Eileen added: “The installation keep their independence in their own to her home and support from the them to stops me getting frustrated. thanks to the right equipment I still million hours of Home Care a special lunch to celebrate this and to bathrooms, but roofs and milestone of their own - as Eileen and Royal Ambulance Service Corps, work went as planned, the builders homes. council’s OT service, she has regained “Years ago people with a disability get enormous pleasure from it. On a Service has been provided milestone achievement by Council external fabric improvements too. Walter celebrated their 87th and 81st said: “Eileen and I are simply were very polite and helpful and “This is extra cash that we don’t a positive outlook on life. were left stuck in a corner and fi ne day I can enjoy my garden like directly by the council. Leader, Councillor Eddie McAvoy “We’re improving homes, and we’re birthdays respectively, shortly after delighted with the improvements nothing was too much trouble for the mind spending,” said the council’s “People take it for granted that they families just had to make the best of it. everyone else.” - guests also included the Wrights’ improving communities and to this completion of the work in their home. in our home. The benefi ts to us as customer liaison team.”

Doors open for sneak peak at Rutherglen Town Hall As part of the annual “Doors Open Day” 24 lucky locals had a sneak peak at the beautiful interior of Rutherglen Town Hall. Expected to be fully operational in the New Year, the visitors What’s with work could clearly see the Fireworks safety campaign A record 380 third year pupils £10million restoration WW2 memorial The council kicks off its campaign to put safety fi rst on have fallowed last year’s Restoration of Douglas and redevelopment of A memorial cairn at Shepherd’s th Take a walk on the dry side November 5 , with offi cers from the Consumer and 150 who joined the council’s Chatelherault is a fi ve-star attraction A guidebook has been produced to Planning team win award for Town Hall the building which dates Lane outside Dechmont Rifl e It’s smiles all round as the council picks up one of the country’s To promote the local rail network and attract Trading Standards service visiting retailers licensed to pioneering “What’s with work” Chatelherault Country Park has been given fi ve-star status by let residents in Douglas know how to from the 1860s Ranges between Halfway and sell fi reworks, advising them of the law on the sale and cash in on £820,000 of conservation top planning awards for its work on the restoration of Rutherglen shoppers to Hamilton the council is to build a Blantyre has been erected in vocational programme which VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme following a £600,000 The superbly restored storage of fi reworks. One of the new provisions, under the encourages every S3 and S4 grants through the Townscape Heritage Town Hall. Once one of the most noble and attractive buildings safe, CCTV equipped, glazed walkway running barrel vaulted Grand memory of the Scottish troops Fireworks Regulations compels traders to display signs pupil to attend college or work- investment to signifi cantly improve facilities such as catering, toilets, play Initiative to restore properties which are in the West of Scotland, it had simply been boarded up by the from the Duke Street car park under the Quarry Hall will have state-of-the-art stage lighting and audio/visual who set off for the front lines stating that it is illegal to sell fi reworks to anyone under based placements for a half areas and trails, along with the council’s decision to join the Investors in of both heritage merit and in a poor former Glasgow District Council. Today, it is a completely different Street bridge right onto Hamilton Central facilities while an exciting “time tunnel” will be the main during the two world wars but 18. day every week. People scheme. state of repair. story - totally refurbished at a cost of £12.5 million. station’s platform. attraction in the interactive Exhibition Hall. would never return. HITTING OUR FOURCAST OUR HITTING Page 16 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 17

£54million recycling cash boost Recycling has been given a £54million boost from the Scottish Executive’s Strategic Waste Fund to expand domestic and landfill services. The recycling uptake has been Schools launch healthy eating menus Elderly care in The Village a huge success, Council lands Lottery arts funds Cambuslang revitalised rising from 12% Healthy menus have been launched in all primary and special Two state-of-the-art centres have South Lanarkshire lands a £700,000 funding educational needs schools following a successful pilot scheme earlier Cambuslang has a revitalised town last year to more opened in The Village, East Kilbride award from the National Lotteries Millennium than 30% this year Happy in the home this year. centre thanks to the £12.5million – the £3.4million McKillop Gardens Commission that gives the green light to a massive Cambuslang Precinct project which - that’s around 400 The Nicholls family of East Kilbride To combat increasing levels of obesity the menus provide essential certainly had something to smile about 40-place residential home for frail arts and culture programme in South Lanarkshire includes Cambuslang Gate, one of the tonnes of material nutrients and vitamins like iron, calcium, vitamin C and fibre while Kids enjoy October break Making a splash in Hamilton being collected every recycling week. after the HomeHappening team fitted older people and the adjacent involving 16 different projects across the county. first of its kind in Scotland, providing significantly reducing the amount of fat, sugar, salt and sodium. Hundreds of young people across South Lanarkshire enjoyed a packed October Hamilton’s Water Palace wins a prestigious Quest award for them out with their new kitchen and £600,000, 24-place Parkhall House The funding follows an initial £8.2m award made last Menus include homemade soup, steak pie, baked potatoes, apple It sees the SNO give concerts in Rutherglen, Hamilton, services from housing, health, learning week break from school thanks to special funding of £28,000 to provide days achieving the highest score for a wet-side only leisure centre year to improve waste collection and recycling in line bathroom as part of the council’s five- pie, fresh fruit and juice, milk, water, plus a vegetarian and Halal Day Care Centre for older people still and Strathaven as well as workshops for budding and employment to registering a birth or out, drama, dance, sport and other activities. It followed excellent feedback in the UK for 2003. The Water Palace was the only centre in with the European Union’s Landfill Directive and the year £144million plan to upgrade all of option for children with special dietary needs. living in their own homes. musicians. marriage. from a summer programme, which funded activities worth £63,000. Scotland to achieve ‘Highly Commended’ status. Executive’s Recycling Targets. its housing stock. PHOTO ALBUM

HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE BUSINESS SUPPORT Willie loves life at Council touch of a button plays vital ELDRUM Gardens in East Kilbride is “as good as it gets” according to resident MWillie Gallacher. Willie (77) has lived at Meldrum for two years, moving from role in the old Belmont Home in the town. “I lived at Belmont for five and a half years and was chairman of the residents’ committee, heavily involved in planning for the move here. What the council has built for us is first class. You can have as much or as little privacy as you want in the best surroundings available. It really is no Alan’s exaggeration to say the accommodation is five-star. “But although we have the best facilities available it’s the staff who make it home for me. They are all excellent and I enjoy some good patter with them. Any help I need is available at the touch of a button. If I need someone they will be with me ALAN Greenhorn acknowledges the part played by South Lanarkshire Council in helping his busienss grow. right away, no problem. success “I am very happy in my flat here and my family know HIRTEEN years ago after support from the local enterprise property service that has helped me and training support and recently our new open plan offices. I’m well looked after. It’s important to me that they are not being made redundant company, I was confident I could keep up with the rapid growth of the I have been working with the West “But with nearly 80 employees, a worrying. from a senior post with a make a success of the business but company and their support and advice of Scotland Loan Fund which has fleet of 55 vehicles, contracts covering “Everything is well laid out. I have my own cooking T I never imagined it would grow the has helped make sure we found the provided fantastic support and advise all of Scotland and North East England major brewing company Alan facilities, nice bright lounge area, comfortable bed and my own way it has. right premises at the right time for the about putting together a financial (as far south as Bridlington) and en-suite bathroom. The flats are well furnished and I have all Greenhorn set up a one man right price. package to help develop the business THE residential homes at Meldrum Gardens opened in “Every year since start-up there seven sites that level of involvement my own bits and pieces around me too. company operating out of the has been at least a 100% growth in “Our latest move has seen us taking further and to support continued 2004 and offer residents all modern comforts. growth. in the day-to-day business of the “I like having my own front door and letter box. It’s garage of his family home in business and that has been without the plunge and going from rented company means I have to rely on important because it means we are all treated as individuals employing any sales team or hard premises to buying property and “Last year our turnover was st good, trustworthy advice to make with our own identities. We are the same as everyone else, just “This is the standard of accommodation councils in the 21 Blantyre. sell tactics people have come to us once again the property service has £1.9million this year I am confident it the right decisions on areas where we a bit older.” century should be providing for my generation. People should Last year that company, Dispense on word of mouth recommendation provided invaluable help and advice will be in excess of do not have the expertise within the come and have a look at the homes that have been built in Services, had a turnover of £1.9million – I was a total quality manager in and their knowledge of the property £2.5million and that will include a Willie is a plater to trade, time-served with Glasgow firm company. Mavor and Coulson Ltd. He was also a wireless operator in South Lanarkshire and spread the word.” and a workforce of nearly 80, and Alan my previous job and that is what I market has helped me make sure major new contract with Coors which Malaya and served in the jungle. ● Meldrum Gardens and its sister home McKillop Gardens says South Lanarkshire Council has have focused on in this business total we were paying the right price and will see us appointed as their sole “That is where I have found “People just don’t get it that time will pass and they will get opened in East Kilbride in 2004. Both are 40-place residential played a vital role in his personnel quality. getting the right premises. service agent in Scotland. assistance from South Lanarkshire older. The years just fly by and at my l time of life I am happy homes with an adjacent 24-place day care centre. The success story. “The support I have received from “Over the years my contacts “I believe in a hands on approach Council so invaluable I known I can to be here. I was a shop steward for many years, so if there was developments cost a total of £6.4m., fully funded from South “When I started Dispense Services South Lanarkshire Council over the at the council have gone beyond to management and I have been trust the people I deal with there as a problem I’d know how to go about getting it sorted… but I Lanarkshire Council resources. Meldrum and McKillop replace Limited I had some money from my years has been vitally important in property advice and I have been personally involved in internally expert, professional and hard working WILLIE Gallacher relaxes in his flat at Meldrum Gardens. have no complaints about Meldrum Gardens. the old Belmont and Claremont Homes in East Kilbride. redundancy package and start-up providing expertise on tap through the given invaluable advice on grants demolition work and reconstruction at – I know they will be an honest broker.

Tree of Hope for Holocaust South Lanarkshire hosted the fifth Scottish National Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January 2005, marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz- HomeHappening award Birkenau The council’s £144million concentration Restaurant wins award Dean helps Belt Up campaign HomeHappening investment and extermination The council’s catering team has achieved a Dean Riley, 5, from Crawforddyke Primary programme has won the National Home camp. MBE for Alan Dick Highly Commended for the healthy choices School, scooped £100 and a framed Princess Royal opens new look Town House Improvement Council’s ‘outstanding Hoover boxers land £800 grant Harry Heaney Centre opening The programme of events, themed ‘Survivors, Liberation and Councillor Alan Dick - Mr East Kilbride in the Horizons Restaurant at its Hamilton achievement’ award for its five-year Rebuilding Lives’, running up to Memorial Day, was launched painting of his winning design in the 5-to- Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal has officially re-opened the Hoover amateur boxing club, based in the former Dalton school The recently opened £1million Harry Heaney Centre in Spittal - has been given an MBE by the Queen headquarters with Facilities and Cultural commitment to improve the quality of by Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm MSP who planted for services to local government and 7 age category of a Belt Up School Kids £9.6million Town House complex which includes the Hamilton Central provides day care facilities in a modern, homely environment Services attaining the Quality Standards life for its 25,000 tenants by replacing has between 20 and 40 regulars including eight boys training a ‘Tree of Hope’ in Chatelherault Country Park at the Normandy Scotland’s most successful new town Charter for the restaurant at the Scottish (BUSK) competition to design an emergency Library and Town Hall and provides facilities for social events including civil every bathroom and kitchen in its to box competitively. The club picked up a prize in the shape of for 30 older people as part of the council’s commitment to let Memorial Cairn which commemorates the D-Day landings that where he established its Arts Council, the Healthy Choices Awards. exit sign for all bus users. marriages to a variety of arts and community projects. housing stock. £800 from the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Area committee. people live as independently as possible in their own homes. led to the defeat of Nazi Germany. first of its kind in the country. HITTING OUR FOURCAST OUR HITTING Page 18 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 19

Provost Supporting makes Guide Dogs history Shades Day To support Shades Councillor Mushtaq Day organised Ahmad creates by the Guide a little piece of Dogs charity, history by becoming Provost Mushtaq the very firm Ahmad asked Muslim Provost local fundraisers of a Scottish Scott Cunningham council. Councillor and his faithful Ahmad, who has companion Travis to stepped up from New centre provides a lifeline lend a hand. being Depute The first purpose-built respite care centre in South Provost Ahmad Provost, helps Lanarkshire opens to provide support services for said: “Scott and raise awareness Changing your property? Beating the fraudsters Tackling the bullies families who have children with disabilities. Described Travis are fantastic of many of the natural disasters to strike third world Leaflets are now available at all Coping with Bullying, a CD-Rom by the as a lifeline by parents, the South Lanarkshire Respite ambassadors for The council has welcomed a Sheriff Court ruling countries, and becomes a leading light at fund raising and Family Support Centre at Silvertonhill, Hamilton, £450million new schools programme Library girls on song the Guide Dogs area planning offices plus published that sentenced a man to 200 hours Community council and the Lanark Rotary Club, is to relieve the plight of thousands. And he also marks which is run by children’s charity NCH Scotland in Hunter sisters Anna, 7, Emily, 9, and Jena, 11, from charity and I knew with their help the council would be on the council’s website, offering Service for copyright offences after its Trading available at schools and libraries across his provostship by setting up the very firs ever meeting A group of pupils from Law Primary were on hand to ‘oversee’ the partnership with the council and NHS Lanarkshire, Rutherglen, were so impressed by the council’s able to highlight Shades Day.” clear and concise information on Standards officers discovered multi-media South Lanarkshire to provide young people of Scotland’s 32 provosts – bringing them together to start of work on their new school which is part of the council’s provides a stimulating environment for up to six children Summer Reading Programme they made a tribute CD Shades Day is a chance for everyone to look cool in the laws individuals must comply copying equipment plus 4000 pirate videos, CDs, with information in private or with a tutor on create the Scottish Provosts’ Association, and being - giving families a break for a night, weekend or even a £450million Primary Schools Modernisation Programme to fully with before making alterations to crated its first President. featuring readings from their favourite books and a their shades and make a £1 minimum donation to and computer games at his home. how to deal with bullying. week on occasions. modernise all of the authorities 124 schools. song about Rutherglen Library and the programme. the charity. their property. PHOTO ALBUM

GARDEN CARE SCHEME CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Mow the We all must merrier, help to save thanks the planet MUIREDGE Primary in Uddingston proudly display the coveted Green Flag for their environmental work.

ARING for the South Lanarkshire are dedicated to the Now the council has added another Protection Agency [Sepa] which Now the children, their teachers to the environment is now cause of helping preserve and sustain major plank to its fight to tackle the predicts that Scotland faces a warmer and members of local communities one of the biggest the environment. They have made its potentially devastating consequences and wetter climate with more are working together in tackling green C protection one of their key aims since of climate change. flooding. issues that are important in particular challenges facing the entire the very beginning. The council has pledged it will And it warns that the current to young people. planet – and it’s up to every The authority recognises that local target a significant reduction in emission rates mean there is ‘great “Our young folk are very aware of HUNDREDS of pensioners have found South Lanarkshire Council’s Care for Gardens scheme a blessing. one of us to ensure that we government has its part to play in greenhouse gas emissions from its risk’ of reaching a point of irreversible environmental issues such as climate council change. do our bit. the process. In the early days, it drew own operations, at the same time warming, recycling and the need to outh Lanarkshire’s They may be blind, have a disability Atkinson of Housing and Technical unfortunately because of the large Margaret Thomson of Westwood in up its Action for the Environment calling on communities throughout “It is warnings like this we ignore look at finding alternative sources of living allowance, a disability blue Services who is Care of Garden’s demand for the service, the council East Kilbride. In her eighties, she is That goes for councils too. Ever programme, dedicated to this task. South Lanarkshire to join them in a at our peril,” said Councillor Gerry energy that cut the output of carbon much-praised Care of since its inception, South Lanarkshire badge, recent heart surgery or illnesses Administrator. has to limit the gardening work. widowed and, due to illness, is unable In doing so, it was following the Scottish-backed bid to tackle what’s Convery, chair of the council’s into the environment and go towards Gardens scheme has Council has been aware of the being called the global warming time community resources committee. protecting the planet.” explained S such as arthritis, MS, respiratory or “Of course the people themselves He adds that if they wish, to cut her grass. guidelines of the 1992 Rio Earth importance of avoiding environmental Summit, which recognised that in bomb. Councillor Smith. been given a £150,000 boost kidney diseases. benefit and so do the areas generally householders may arrange for another “Although I have great neighbours, “There are those who may think damage wherever possible. order to make changes globally, local It came as the council’s executive to extend its season by two Whether they are council tenants or which look cleaner and tidier. We gardener or voluntary group to do I have always been an independent that in global terms whatever South Already 25 of the area’s primary At first sight, it may seem that councils had a part to play by taking committee agreed to sign up to the Lanarkshire council does will be schools have achieved the prestigious crucial weeks. house-owners, all of these people will won’t take on an area the size of a additional work. person and wouldn’t like to trouble be eligible if there is no able person football pitch, but as long as they have there is little we in Scotland can do action in partnership with local Scottish Climate Change Declaration. insignificant. It is that sort of thinking ECO Green Flag while 27 have bronze For the security of residents, all them, so I appreciate the garden It also means that South over 16 living with them. normal size grass areas, that is fine.” about major global issues such as the people. It calls on Scotland’s councils that will take us down the road to awards with a further 21 achieving the staff that carries out the council’s service,” she says. Lanarkshire’s helping hand for the They will have their grass cut every The garden scheme does not depletion of the ozone layer, global The action programme recognised – and others – to work with the disaster.” silver status. gardening services wear South Another South Lanarkshire resident more vulnerable members of the fortnight between April and mid cover landscaping, planting and warming, carbon build-up or the not only our common responsibility UK government and the Scottish Councillor Mary Smith, chair “This shows the desire of our young Lanarkshire logos on their shirts community now reaches some 10,000 October (weather permitting) with the maintaining flower beds and vegetable who is very satisfied with the scheme destruction of the rain forests. for environmental problems, but also Executive to contribute to the delivery of education, believes that South folk to look at the impact of climate and fleece jackets and carry identity elderly and disabled residents. edges strimmed and all the loose grass plot, or pruning work. However, if is 87-year-old Ian Stewart who is a But every action by every individual for the actions which needed to be of the UK and Scottish Climate Lanarkshire could become an change and think through how they The free maintenance service cleared. Hedges will be trimmed and council tenants have concerns about badges or cards. widower in Carluke. Hip operations and every organisation helps. One taken to solve them. Change Programmes, including to exemplar of environmental can make small step changes to the is provided for people over 70, the clippings removed twice a year, overgrown and problem hedges or Anyone who qualifies for the mean that he cannot do his own grass- person quickly becomes a group, a The council has always been aware reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsibility. things we do like recycling and being pensioners with a doctor’s letter, and weed killer applied to path areas. trees, Housing and Technical Services service can obtain an application form cutting any longer. group becomes a region, and a region that the process won’t be a quick or and to adapt to future climate change And she pointed to the 77 South conscious of the need to look at anyone with a war pension or others “The service is another aspect of the can authorise these to be looked at and from local council offices. “The garden is just too much for me becomes country. So we really can easy one, but its commitment to the scenarios. Lanarkshire primary schools that have alternative ways of creating energy under pensionable age because of their council’s provision of care and support tended. Typical of the members of the nowadays and I am delighted with the make a difference. environment has grown over the The council’s move coincided with already made their mark in tackling from natural sources like solar, wave medical conditions. for those who need it,” explains Willie Willie Atkinson says that community who have benefited is service on offer,” he says. Both councillors and officials in years, and it now forms a core policy. a report by the Scottish Environment climate by becoming ECO schools. and wind power.”

Scrubbing up Braveheart well in the comes Clean League home The council has September shown it isn’t messing 2005 saw after it scored 72% in the start of a a Scottish Executive weekend when report which named thousands of and shamed the visitors flocked dirtiest parts of to Lanark to Scotland. welcome home Only beaten by the famous School furniture to help Third World Scottish hero School furniture being replaced as part of the council’s smaller councils like Curling coaching Orkney, Shetland William Wallace massive £700million Schools Modernisation Programme South Lanarkshire Leisure’s - 700 years after are to be put to good use - by being sent to third world Budding astronauts and Moray, it has a curling development officer and Pupils let their feet do the walking ‘No Excuses’ litter Helping rural areas his death. The Good afternoon girls! countries. a qualified instructor were at Walk to School week proved a great success when pupils from across Michael Hunter and Ruairi Armstrong campaign providing Helping meet the needs of rural residents is the special weekend St Bride’s Afternoon Club, which The council has teamed up with ‘Glasgow the Caring City’ Lanarkshire Ice Rink to help South Lanarkshire took part in promoting safe alternatives to the school from Coulter Primary School won first 2000 lined litter bins council’s Rural Partnership – exemplified by the marked the provides a social venue for the to form South Lanarkshire International Aid. promote the national sport run. After months of careful preparations pupils, parents and teachers prize in the National K-Nex Challenge with fines for litter and Catch IT bus. A mobile training and information culmination of a summer of events honouring the ‘Guardian of over 50s, was delighted after Using the registered charity’s specialised skills to to adults by coaching them stepped out in style, incorporating innovative ideas like ‘Walking Buses’ 2005 for creating a space exploration dog mess offenders, facility, it boasts eight PCs and a full-time tutor Scotland’. being awarded a £300 grant by transport the furniture to countries including Uganda, through a short introductory and ‘Park-and-Stride’. model which included astronaut a 24-hour fly-tipping to help get to grips with the latest technology. His spirit is being symbolically brought back in a coffin to the the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Malawi, Kosovo and Sri Lanka - this excellent recycling game alongside experienced The annual event encourages children to use the healthy option of walking exercise machines, space shuttles and hotline, free uplift service for extra domestic, garden and recycling The Catch IT bus travels throughout South town where he met and married Marion Braidfute before she Area Committee to help with the project will benefit hundreds of thousands of young players as part of a Scotland- to school while giving parents and carers the confidence that their child the competition challenge - a space waste, excellent civic amenity/recycling centres and implements Lanarkshire’s rural areas giving folk a chance to was murdered by the English Sheriff of Lanark which led Wallace transport costs for a trip to the people around the world. wide campaign. will be safe during their trip to school. station. the Tidy Business Standards Scheme. learn basic IT skills. to revolt during the Wars of Scottish Independence. panto. HITTING OUR FOURCAST OUR HITTING Page 20 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 21

Royal approval Her Royal Highness, ART IN THE ATTIC Councillors turn detective to recover paintings the Prin- cess Royal, toured Covenanters Whitehill Neighbour- hood Centre, Victoria welcome plan Court Very Sheltered Housing Complex and Whitehill Day Read all about it for historic field Road Safety game is a hit Old Post office restored Care Centre to officially mark the transfor- Road Safety Experts from as far afield as Africa, Ireland The council stepped in to ensure that Rutherglen’s South Lanarkshire’s libraries are going from strength mation of the Hamilton area. to strength – featuring superb IT facilities as well and Wales are clamouring to get their hands on copies former Post Office would become the next phase The £4.2million neighbourhood centre as ancestral research and a range of books – all of a new board game developed by South Lanarkshire of their on-going multi-million restoration of provides state-of-the-art facilities under one accessible through an electronic catalogue available Council employees. Based around a classic snakes-and- Rutherglen Main Street. The building [pictured in roof including a library with IT, youth wing, on the council’s website. While the fall in library use at ladders format the game was dreamt up by the council’s 1907], which closed its doors earlier this year, will health services, the council’s Q&A, crèche, national level is a concern, South Lanarkshire’s new Road Safety Team as a new way to interest young people now see over £1.1 million spent on it to merge it after-school care, leisure facilities and a and refurbished libraries are proving attractive to local in the road safety message. with the adjoining B-listed Rutherglen Library. police office. people. PHOTO ALBUM

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

NEW beginnings... Tom McCabe MSP (second It’s the left) unveils a plaque officially opening the new £8.9million Chatelherault Primary School in Hamilton with COUNCIL leader Eddie McAvoy with art detectives Bob Rooney (right) and Davy Kiers (left) with a few of Cambuslang’s art bestest head teacher treasures recovered from the depths of various Glasgow warehouses. Norma Duncan and councillors Mary Smith, Pat Morgan and school Brian McCaig. Cambuslang’s ever! UNDREDS of primary performance about their journey opening celebrations. Robert Owen, new primary schools to have opened School for the Deaf and St Cuthbert’s school kids are from old school to new. They even will welcome the patter of little feet in so far: “These schools demonstrate primaries will all be opening their composed a song about their new March when its new nursery centre is an outstanding example of pupil doors in the next few weeks.. lost treasures now learning in the H school listing why the love it so much. expected to open. The school has an ownership, team work, strong It means that by this spring 22% of This information can be made available on request, country’s most modern Head Teacher, Norma Duncan, said: integrated additional support needs leadership and just what can be our primary pupils will be enjoying in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or schools. The last 12 months’ “When we watched our new school (ASN) base specifically designed to done when the value of education is their education in brand new schools. Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 accommodate autistic children. established in our community. has seen £83.5million worth being built and heard that we were The further 39 primary schools getting rooms with lots of space and “Before the summer break I was Like most Head Teachers who the council agreed should be rebuilt 01698 454296 of brand new primary schools light we were absolutely delighted. We fortunate to have been invited to the have had the pleasure of working in instead of refurbished are: opening throughout South have the most spectacular dinner hall a new school, Robert Owen’s David openings of the phase one primary Glengowan, Braehead, Chapelton, set to return THE Scottish Covenanters’ Memorials Association (SCMA) Lanarkshire. with views right across Hamilton. It Lynas shares his pupils’ enthusiasm schools: High Blantyre, Law, St OME of Cambuslang’s the majority of the works that had gone “I have asked experts from our museums really is a super school.” for their new surroundings. “From Columbkille’s, St Elizabeth’s and St Wiston, Carmichael, Crawfordjohn, has given a warm welcome to plans proposed by the to Glasgow – and were languishing in services to assess not just the security council which will preserve the historic significance of And now the council has announced Celebrations in East Kilbride were the moment we first learned we were Hilary’s. Douglas, St Paul’s, St Mary’s ‘forgotten’ art treasures 01698 454296 warehouses throughout the city. aspects of the building, but also to report Covenanters’ Field in Bothwell. they are to increase the number of twofold with the openings of the new to have a new school until now, the “All of these schools set the Hamilton, Kirkfieldbank, Coulter, are set to be seen again primary schools to be rebuilt from 69 S “Both Bob and Davy knew exactly what on the crucial environment in which the And SCMA vice-president David Bryce believes the Bent, Crawforddyke, Auchinraith, St Vincent’s and Greenhills Primary journey has been an exciting one. I am precedent that we have now come to after almost 20 years’ locked paintings would be on display.” to 108 – with the remaining 16 built delighted that our wonderful children Dalserf, Newfield, Quarter, had been taken by Glasgow,” explained council’s proposals to create a Covenanters’ memorial Schools. Their doors swung open last expect from the council. It is a high Gareth Hunt, the council’s museums within the last 10 to 15 years getting a now have a school building to match. Auldhouse, Sandford, Mossneuk, away in a security vault. Councillor McAvoy. and visitor attraction0169 at8 4the54 field296 will help preserve and autumn, with St Vincent’s sharing standard education resource that we officer for collections, cautioned that 21st century makeover. As one of our younger children said to Carstairs, Maxwellton/Greenburn, For council leader Eddie McAvoy “In fact Bob had even created his own promote an important part of Scotland’s history. their ‘fun day’ with its new partner are successfully delivering to our because many of the paintings were done me during the course of the first day: James Aiton, St John’s Blackwood, believes that the opening of the £12million inventory in the event that Cambuslang He said: “We are confident that it is a well-balanced And as each of the new schools has Ballerup Nursery. Ballerup’s tiny tots communities and will continue to do in oils and watercolours, for their long-term “This is the bestest school ever!” If that Stablestone , St Bride’s Cambuslang, Cambuslang Gate might make it possible would come back into Lanarkshire. concept, which will realise the full potential of the field as been opened, it has been celebration entertained their audience with songs so until the modernisation programme protecting they have to be displayed in to put works by noted artists such as a memorial, and as a projection of Scotland’s heritage and time for the pupils. At Chatelherault and lots of smiles at their very own doesn’t make it all worthwhile, what is complete in 2016.” Forth , Libberton, Gilmourton, “It did - in no small measure thanks to conditions of proper lighting, humidity and E.A.Hornel and James McBey on display at culture.” Primary School in Hamilton, the opening ceremony. does?” And the latest to be delivered under Underbank, Auchengray, Braidwood, the fight put up the people of Cambuslang temperature. school was almost hijacked by St Patrick’s, Glassford, Coalburn, the new complex. and Rutherglen, desperate to escape the The decision01 to69 create8 454 a2 visitor96 area at the field was Robert Owen Memorial Primary Councillor Mary Smith, Chair of the programme has been Castlefield COUNCIL But while Councillor McAvoy said that energetic pupils who captivated Crawford, Abington, Biggar, and clutches of Glasgow made following a meeting of senior council officials, School in Lanark and Cathkin Primary the Council’s Education Committee, Primary School, while Calderwood, Many of the treasures once adorned the might mean it may not be possible to their audience with a blockbuster School in Rutherglen also had special has described her experience of the Mount Cameron, Glenlee, Hamilton Walston Primary School. old Cambuslang Institute. T“ThereAX followedBA aN protractedDS wrangle representatives of the Scottish Covenanters Memorials have them on permanent display, he was Association (SCMA), Bothwell Community Council, the to Tgethe f uthell ra nartge oworksf counc back,”il tax ban saidds Councillor For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: During a renovation in the mid 1980s, determined that the council should create a Rev Gibson, Minister of Bothwell Parish Church and all of the art works were taken into the McAvoy.(excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: yearly – ‘Cambuslang Show’, when many council leader Eddie McAvoy. ‘custody’ of the former Glasgow District “In many ways it was only because of of the outstanding works of art can be seen As a result, the council will work with specialists in council when it was discovered that the the recordsA: kept£74 by2. Bob00 Rooney and Davy by the people of Cambuslang. battlefield archeology to carry out a detailed survey of environment in the Institute was causing Keirs and their doggedness that we won And along with Councillors Rooney Covenanters’ Field. long-term damage to the paintings. the day.”B: £865.67 and Keirs he revealed that such a show The move is the first step to drawing up plans to However, at the 1996 reorganisation it CouncillorC: £ McAvoy989.33 said while a number might be staged during the Cambuslang relocate the Covenanters Monument from its present site looked as if they would never be returned of the pieces could be put on show at ‘Summerfest’. at Bothwell Bridge onto Covenanters’ Field in a properly- to their rightful home. RutherglenD: Town£111 Hall,3.0 0it was always the For Councillors Rooney and Keirs, the landscaped setting, where a visitor car park would be It was only the result of ‘detective’ work hope thereE: would£136 be0. 3a 3suitable venue in news comes as a fitting tribute to their long created along with an interpretation exhibition board by Councillors Bob Rooney and Davy Kiers Cambuslang. And that might be the new years of public service for the people of outlining the history of the Covenanting movement and who were able to track down and identify £12millionF: Cambuslang£1607.67 Gate. Cambuslang. the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. Emphasising the council’s commitment, Councillor G: £1855.00 McAvoy said: “When we were contacted by SCMA, we recognised their concern, that was why we met at the Scotland’s firstH: £Muslim2226.00 provost steps down historic field and took the opportunity to look again at potential uses of the site. WHEN Councillor Mushtaq Provost Ahmad commented that councils to explore issues of joint “We listened closely to the views about the historic Pupils check out new school plans Window on the world £1m Biggar upgrade Ahmad took the Provost’s ChairHou seholdehisrs a r“electione reminded totha thet Provostship concern. aspects of Covenanters’ Field and we are happy that we Fairtrade signs welcome visitors in May 2003, it was an historicin cluded in tinhe ianr C oareauncil whereTax bill there are very Provost Ahmad said: “My Biggar gets a £1 million investment to ensure are now working closely with the SCMA to take forward Pupils from St Columbkille’s Primary School in Rutherglen Pupils from St Bride’s High, East Kilbride, have occasion highlighted in bothwill b ethethe Water afewnd S ememberswerage Tax of ethnic minorities check plans for their new school as the old one is Primary kids from St Elizabeth’s, St Peter’s and that its unique history is both preserved connection with the area goes a scheme which reflects the site’s historical and cultural unveiled a stunning glass window they designed local and national press. which is set by Scowillttish beWa tvieweder. with admiration demolished. And when their new school opened its doors Townhill have unveiled signs welcoming visitors on and promoted for generations to come. The back 40 years and I think it’s a significance. and constructed to reflect the school’s ethos. throughout the UK.” for the first time, it drew praise from pupils, parents and town’s Townscape Improvement Plan has For Provost Ahmad, who* is tremendous place to live and work. “At the same time, there will be an opportunity to every main road into Hamilton after it won Fairtrade staff alike. St Columbkille’s is one of 66 new primary The pupils also had to choose a suitable site at resulted in historic and very special buildings stepping down this May after During his term, Provost Ahmad I have enjoyed building on our release a small scale, high quality housing site to help schools being built by the council as part of Scotland’s the school before commencing with the design Town status last year for supporting Third World being upgraded. The town has more than almost 20 years’ service as a set up the Provosts’ Association, links with the community and satisfy strong local demand - with some of the monies biggest schools’ modernisation programme. project. workers getting a fair price for their produce. 100 listed buildings. councillor, was Scotland’s first bringing together the men and generally acting as an ambassador raised from the sale of the site - 10 to 12 houses - being HITTING OUR FOURCAST OUR HITTING Muslim provost. At the time, women who chair Scotland’s for the Council.” used to fund the monument relocation work. Page 22 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 23

Helping Who should parents into work join our roll

SOUTH Lanarkshire Working for Families has received £1.5m. of honour? from the Scottish Executive to help parents get into work. THE men and women who have played a key The money has been made role in creating South Lanarkshire’s story are available over a two-year period with £750,000 earmarked for the to be recognised with a series of plaques. next 12 months. The specially-designed plaques will mark The project aims to help the contribution of sportsmen, explorers, 800 parents access training, writers, artists, poets and politicians, as well education or employment by as those who are at the forefront in helping 2009. make Scotland what it is Key workers will give advice today. and support on childcare, In fact South Lanarkshire transport, confidence building, has had an influence on motivation, improving Scottish affairs out of all GREGOR Lopez [11] and Jamie Coulter, numeracy and literacy skills to proportion to its size. two of South Lanarkshire’s 3600 young access training, education and From earliest times it has footballers who could gain from the employment. decision to scrap charges for under-16 had a significant influence of teams using the council’s 105 pitches. Welcoming the investment Scottish affairs. Council Leader Eddie McAvoy commented: “It is important to The plaques will be sited help people get into work and on buildings where those this is an excellent project. being recognised were born, COUNCIL leader Eddie McAvoy shows off one of the artist’s or worked or had a particular No pitch hire “Working for Families is open designs for the new plaques to celebrate South Lanarkshire’s to parents from all communities association with. famous sons and daughters. across South Lanarkshire and Already names such as is specifically aimed at those David Livingstone, David Dale, John and William Hunter, Jock Stein, part of a tourist trail, council leader Eddie McAvoy urged the public charges for who are on low incomes, are Davie Cooper, Joanna Baillie, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Sir Harry Lauder, to send in their nominations. lone parents, have disabilities, Midge Ure and John Hastie are just some of the names being They should be sent to: Plaques Nominations, Corporate mental health or wellbeing considered. Communications and Public Affairs, South Lanarkshire Council, DALSERF Parish Church, which has received a £25,000 grant THE Road Safety Calendar competition is just one of the projects issues.” towards a new community facility. that will help get the message across this year. But the council wants to hear from the people of South Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton ML 3 0AA. under-16s Lanarkshire who they think should be remembered in this way. It’s hoped that the first of the plaques will be agreed this And announcing the new initiative which could eventually form summer. THOUSANDS of youngsters who take part in team sports are set for a £240,000 Putting new energy Helping to reduce boost. Registration For as part of this year’s budget LADDER TO SUCCESS Why learning a trade can pay lifelong dividend decisions the council has scrapped charges changes for under-16 teams using the council’s 105 in the community accidents on roads sports pitches. AS from 1 January 2007, It means that under-16 teams will no longer have to pay charges ranging from ALMOST £500,000 worth of Primary School. SOUTH Lanarkshire’s Road Safety scheme for nursery and playgroup Births and Deaths occurring in Scotland may be registered £7.59 to £22.10 to hire a pitch. community projects in Clydesdale Work at the Nethan Bridge will team, which travels throughout the pupils with fun lessons aimed at Last year every week some 220 teams will get underway this year thanks, area teaching people of all ages the introducing them into road safety at any registration office in get £20,000 towards remedial works Scotland. with 3600 youngsters used pitches all over in part, to the Black Law Windfarm and associated environmental importance of staying safe while education. South Lanarkshire. This information can be made available on Youreq ucanest register, at any This information can be made available on request, Renewable Energy Fund. improvement works. out and about on the roads, is to ● Road Safety Calendar Apprentice Kevin “It’s a figure that shows just how registration office in South The Fund will contribute Another £50,000 goes to small benefit from a £60,000 boost. incompetitionother lang –u Annualages s ucompetitionch as Chin ese, Urdu, Punjabi or in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or Lanarkshire even if you do active a lot of our youngsters are,” said £141,884 towards six projects which scale projects through the REF The cash will be spent on work Hinvolvingindi: Ple anearlyse ph allon ofe: South0169 8 454296 Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 not live in South Lanarkshire Councillor Gerry Convery, chair of the will enhance the local environment Local Grant Scheme. These projects in schools and nurseries where the Lanarkshire’s primary and Council’s area. South Lanarkshire Leisure Trust which as well as provide extra facilities for are also supported by Leader + team try and get the safety message secondary schools. 01698 454296 runs the0 1area’s698 4leisure54296 facilities on behalf people living in the area. which has also contributed £35,000, across to children at a young age. ● In addition from 1 January of the council. Scottish Cycle Training scheme 2007 all Marriage and Civil The Dalserf Meeting Place gets giving a total project value of This is delivered through a “But we want more of South – Gives primary pupils practical Partnership notices for £25,000 towards the construction of £85,000. Lanarkshire’s young folk to get involved variety of innovative measures training on how to stay safe when ceremonies to be held in the a new church community facility The Renewable Energy Fund is in sport. That’s why we have taken this which involve pupils, parents and out cycling. 01698Bothwell454296 and Uddingston areas built great career 01698 454296 in Dalserf, while £13,884 goes to financed from payments made by staff. ● Theatre in Education – A decision to do away with all charges for Carnwath In Bloom towards the need to be lodged with the Scottish Power, who operate the And it’s not just youngsters who powerful way of getting the Road under-16 teams using council pitches.” creation of four small community Black Law Windfarm, near Forth. Registrar, The Town House, 102 PPRENTICESHIPS have once learn valuable lessons. Road Safety Safety message across through the Cadzow Street, Hamilton ML3 The move is in line with the council’s gardens. The REF is administered by the more become a viable job route advice is important to people of medium of drama. 01698 4546HH.296 policy01698 of4 5supporting4296 young people and A £38,000 grant goes to St Council’s Enterprise Resources, for school leavers. encouraging them to take an active part in all ages and the road safety team Councillor Billy McCaig, Chair Further information is A Athenasius Church Hall to help which is responsible for advising regularly visit sheltered housing During the 80s and early 90s a once traditional sports. towards the demolition of an potential applicants, assessing of the Council’s Road Safety available on: 08457 406080 or accommodation where residents are e-mail dclr@southlanarkshire. route into the job market seemed to have gone existing poor quality hall and the applications and monitoring Forum, said: “The council has met entertained and informed. and, indeed, exceeded accident gov.uk. forever as fewer and fewer companies agreed to construction of a new build facility projects to ensure that the take on young apprentices. for the Church and other local community benefits associated with This coming year will see a reduction targets set by the Scottish More and more young people opted to go to groups. each projectCO areU delivered.NCIL number of programmes, including: Executive, and the work of the 01698 454296 COUNCIL 01698 454296 ● university or further education, leaving a huge And at Auchengray Church Since the Fund was established a School Travel Plan – The Road Road Safety Education team has School furniture for TAX BANDS Safety team works with pupils, been key to this achievement. gap in traditional trades such as joinery, paintingT AX BANDS Hall a £45,000 grant will go number of projects have benefited For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: and decorating and plumbing. For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: towards the construction of a new from awardsThe full andrange theof c oareaunci lista x bands parents and staff to develop a safe “Road Safety is a vital message The full range of council tax bands (excluding the Scottish Water and and sustainable way for children to 01698 454296 At home with But with the boom in the construction industry (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 the Third World build extension for the Church and beginningS etow eseerage first-handTax) for 200 7the/8* i s: and our team are dedicated to Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: travel to and from school. delivering that message to as many over the last decade traditional trade jobs have other local groups who utilise this benefits of the Black Law Windfarm never been more in demand. rural facility, including the adjacent RenewableA Energy: £ 7Fund.42.00 ● Children’s Traffic Club – A people as possible.” the Romans A: £742.00 SOUTH Lanarkshire has set up South And in South Lanarkshire apprentices are Lanarkshire International Aid in partnership B: £865.67 AT Home with the Romans is discovering how learning a trade can be the B: £865.67 with ‘Glasgow the Caring City’ to put stepping stone to a long and successful career. C: £989.33 an exciting exhibition at Low C: £989.33 redundant school furniture to good use – by Parks Museum in Hamilton One example is Kevin Cunning, who joined sending it to third world countries. D: £1113.00 which runs until 22 April, giving the council as an apprentice plasterer almost 10 D: £1113.00 As part of the council’s £1.1 billion Schools Council splashes out £18m on Clydesdale years ago. visitors a vivid insight into what Modernisation Programme, the new charity E: £1360.33 Since completing his trade Kevin is now an E: £1360.33 will send redundant school furniture to be THE council has confirmed an £18million The £1.4m upgrade to Carluke Leisure life was like for the Roman nd operations technical officer with Housing and re-used in countries such as Uganda, Malawi spending spree for Clydesdale that will see a CentreF: will£1 significantly607.67 improve the facilities legions in Britannia from the 2 F: £1607.67 th Technical Resources. He oversees a number of and Sri Lanka. new £4million swimming pool for Lanark, over available to the local community – including to 4 centuries AD. Home Happening projects and is currently based G: £1855.00 G: £1855.00 Welcoming the partnership, Councillor £5million to restore Lanark Memorial Hall to improvements and conversions to the games In the exhibition you can in Ballintrae Road, Blantyre. find out what daily life was Mary Smith, chair of education, said: “I its former glory and £9.4million to be be spent halls,H: dance£2 2studios,26.00 fitness gyms and changing Kevin won a number of awards during his KEVINH: Cumming£2226.0 put0 his apprenticeship with the council to good use and is now an operations in Carluke on upgrading Carluke Leisure accommodation. like for a legionnaire, complete technical officer on the HomeHappening programme. think it is great news that we have entered apprenticeship, and said: “Apprenticeships are a into this partnership to ensure that all of our Centre and creating an £8million community Carluke is also set for a new £8m integrated with sound effects plus cases of great way of learning the ins and outs of a trade “In fact there is a trade to suit almost feedback you get from the public. redundant furniture will be put to good use facility. community facility that will provide a new artefacts dug up from the area and learning on the job. The experience of the The ageing Lanark Swimming Pool will be communityHouseholder shallare randemin dae wided that variety of activity including buckles, pins and Heverybodyouseholders anowadays.”re reminded that “Everyone I have encountered so far has been around the world. included in their Council Tax bill guys you are working with is also invaluable. included in their Council Tax bill replaced with a modern £4m, 25metre, six-lane and meeting areas, with a new library and pottery with examples of Roman “My job now is obviously different from Kevin’s current job involves organising the so delighted with the transformation of their “Any work associated with the removal will bACTIVEe the Wa teITr and Sewerage Tax will be tday’she Wat eworkr and Sforew etherag eteamTax of men he is in charge of, homes. and the distribution of the redundant pool, leisure facilities, including fitness gym, which is set by Sc learningottish Wat ecentre,r. daycare provision, armour and helmets. the one I started doing, but a lot of the things I which is set by Scottish Water. dance studio, sauna and steam room, indoor community café and rooms for visiting And for the children there’s an learned as an apprentice will stand me in good and checking their progress throughout the day. “I definitely think the programme brings the furniture will be carried out by South and outdoor changing facilities, meeting/ *services. interactive area where you can stead for the rest of my career. * He said: “It has been fantastic to have been communities a bit closer together – if the home Lanarkshire International Aid. training areas, café and vending area. The It will be linked to the new build St play a Roman game, reconstruct “Plus of course there is huge demand for involved in the Home Happening programme. you are staying in recently been renovated, it “This is a great example of recycling of pool will have a floating floor mechanism to Athanasius Primary Schools and together they pots from an archaeological dig, the traditional trades now, such as joinery, You get a real sense of joy when you see people’s makes you feel that bit better about yourself. materials, and sets an excellent example to allow the pool floor to be raised and lowered will offer a central development for the town. build your own mosaic or even plumbing, mechanics, painting and decorating, homes being transformed. “And if you have pride in your home you are children and young people across South to improve disabled access and to support A site start is expected in the autumn of 2007 AN artist’s impression of the new Lanark Swimming Pool. dress up as a Roman soldier. groundskeeping and many more. “But the best thing about it has to be the far more likely to have pride in your area.” Lanarkshire.” swimming lessons. and completion early in 2009. Page 24 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 25

Are you the parent or carer of a child or young person who has additional support Scottish Parliament and Local Government Elections elections needs, or perhaps you are a family member Thursday 3 May 2007 or friend providing support? ’ Get set for Polling Day Do you struggle to find good information on what services are available to you and your family? Thursday 3 May 2007 Make sure your name is on Elections for South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish the electoral register Parliament will be held on Thursday 3 May. This is when you can vote for your South Lanarkshire To take part in the elections, you must make sure you are registered Councillors and your Members of the Scottish Parliament to vote. (MSPs). The last date to register to vote is 11 days before polling day - so Poll cards will be sent to houses before the election to tell please apply by Wednesday 18 April. you which polling station you should attend to vote. If you have moved house recently, it’s important to let the Electoral At the polling station, you will get two ballot papers, one Registration Officer know to make sure you are registered to vote for the South Lanarkshire Council elections and one for the at your new address. You have to contact the Electoral Registration Scottish Parliament election. Office as well as the council tax office when you move - paying council tax does not mean you are automatically registered to vote. After the close of poll, the ballot papers are to be counted electronically. To assist with this, new style ballot boxes If you are a citizen of Britain, the Irish Republic, a Member State of that keep the voting papers fl at have been introduced. the European Union or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen you will be entitled to vote at Scottish Parliament and Local Government If you have arranged to vote by post, all the information elections, but only if your name is registered. There is a list of you need will be sent to you. countries whose citizens are entitled to vote on the Electoral Registration Office website. Voting for your councillors Why not come along to our free information event for families of Checking the register For the first time, councillors will be elected using a system of children and young people with additional support needs? You can check if you are registered to vote by inspecting the Register proportional representation (PR). which is available at local libraries, Q and A offices and at the offices On the Council ballot paper, you will vote using numbers. of the Electoral Registration Officer. If you aren’t registered you can complete a form to register. Where? Banqueting Hall, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton. • Read through the full list of candidates. • Put a 1 against your fi rst choice, 2 against your second choice, When? Friday 18 May 2007, from 10.00am until 2.00pm 3 against your third choice and so on. Further information Arranging a postal or proxy vote • For example, if there are eight candidates, you can if you wish, number them 1 to 8. Election Offi ce (deals with all the election Anyone can apply to vote by post, you do not need to have a reason. Information on Benefits, Local Carer Support Groups, Leisure Services and Holiday As a parent of a child with a disability I have come to You can arrange a postal vote for a particular election, for a set • You don’t have to fi ll in all the boxes if you don’t want to. arrangements and the count) Clubs, Share the Care, Education, Housing and Social Work Services, Contact a realise that the impact of that doesn’t stop with the parents. period of time or for all elections. • Don’t fold your ballot paper. 21 Beckford Street Family, as well as Pampering Sessions, Stress Reduction and much more… There is an impact on the whole extended family – grand- “ Hamilton If you can’t reasonably be expected to vote in person due to an When you have finished marking the ballot paper, don’t fold it, keep it parents, siblings, etc… Everyone in the family (immediate and incapacity, or because your work or college place takes you away Transport and crèche will be available but must be booked in advance. fl at and post it face down in the new style ballot box. ML3 0BT extended) looks for information that will improve the quality of Election Helpline 01698 455747 from home, you may prefer to appoint someone to vote on your Families of children and young people with additional needs often find it difficult life for both the child and those who care for them. Information The decision to use a system of PR for Council elections means that Email: [email protected] behalf at the polling station. This is known as a proxy vote. accessing good quality information about services available to them. In response to South Lanarkshire Council voters will still elect 67 councillors. However, days are great because you can access all the different Website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Application forms to register to vote or to apply for a postal or this, South Lanarkshire Council, in conjunction with a group of Parent/Carers from there will be 20 larger wards called multi-member wards (not the statutory and voluntary organisations in the one place. current 67 wards with one councillor for each ward). Depending on proxy vote can be downloaded from Lanarkshire Valuation Joint throughout South Lanarkshire and the Princess Royal Trust Lanarkshire Carers Board’s website www.lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk or Fiona Kincaid (Parent) the size of the new ward, it will have either 3 or 4 councillors who all Electoral Registration Offi ce (deals with postal Centre are organising an information day on Friday 18 May 2007 from 10.00am- represent the whole multi-member ward. All the councillors will have and proxy votes and the Electoral Register) phone 01698 476080. 2.00pm in the Banqueting Hall, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton. equal status. As a parent of a child with additional support needs, I didn’t North Stand Representatives from a range of agencies, voluntary organisations, as well as carers ” Cadzow Avenue even recognise that I was a carer, you just get on with looking Important election dates will be on hand to provide up to date information and support. Hamilton “after your child as any other parent would. However, disability Voting for your MSPs ML3 0LU The event will have stands and staff on hand to answer your queries from South can impact on the whole family and you can end up feeling When you vote for the Scottish Parliament, you will get a single ballot Phone 01698 476080 Last date you can register to vote for Lanarkshire Council’s Education, Social Work and Housing Services as well as South very isolated, not knowing what services are available to paper that is divided into two columns. This single ballot paper will let Email: [email protected] these elections is Wednesday 18 April. Lanarkshire Leisure, NHS Lanarkshire and key Voluntary Organisations, who offer support you. Not all services are readily accessible to our you vote for your constituency MSP (the MSP who represents only your Website: www.lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk support, for example Contact a Family, the Family Fund and Enquire. children, so finding out even about simple things like youth area) and seven regional MSPs who all represent a much larger Last date for postal vote applications is regional area. There will also be complementary therapy sessions for; aromatherapy, beauty therapy clubs or play schemes, or out of school care, that will support Other useful websites Wednesday 18 April 2007 at 5pm. and massage, as well as health checks. The event is free and open to families, our children can be difficult – ordinary information that other • On the left hand side, you put a cross against the party or individual of your choice. This vote helps decide who the seven www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk Last date for proxy vote applications is friends and relatives as well as professionals who have an interest or involvement people take for granted. regional MSPs will be. Again, simply put a single cross in the box information on Council ward boundaries and maps Wednesday 25 April 2007 at 5pm. in disability. Tracey Cunningham (Parent) of your choice. • On the right hand side, there will be a list of candidates standing www.votescotland.com as constituency MSPs. Simply put a single cross against the information on 2007 elections ” candidate you want to represent your constituency. To find out more about the event, book a crèche place or transport contact us at: www.dopolitics.org.uk • Don’t fold your ballot paper. information for young people The Child & Family Disability Resource Team, 4th Floor, Brandon Gate, 1 Leechlee Road, Hamilton ML3 OXB. When you have finished marking your ballot paper, don’t fold it, keep it fl at and post it face down in the new style ballot box. Social Work Resources Tel: 01698 455499 Email: [email protected] Page 26 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 27

SOCIAL WORK From youngsters to Scotland’s oldest man... South Lanarkshire people can rely on receiving the highest quality of front-line services We put our heart into life! £113MILLION DUNCANRIG pupils Megan Marshall, Fiona Watson, Stuart Clark, Nicola Aitken, Allan Campbell, Sarah Milne and Laura Telford who TO PROVIDE helped develop the new menus. BEST OF CARE FOR Pupils lead the way THOSE WHO on new school menus FROM Fat Fries to Nutritious developed by pupils themselves are Nosh… that’s how South being rolled out to all secondary NEED IT Lanarkshire hopes to transform schools. the eating habits of all our young On offer is a range of new RONT-LINE Social people and encourage them to healthier food which has been become the healthy generation of trialled in secondary school dining Work services in South the future. rooms over the past year. FLanarkshire are to be To do so the council is to spend One of the main aims of the new boosted by 10% to almost £2million over the next 12 months menus is to reduce the amount of £113 million over the next 12 in its healthy eating programme. fat, sugar and salt. months. But how to compete with the Pupils now have a large choice burgers, chips, crisps, pies and of menu including soup, deli-style Some £6 million of new money will sausage rolls? sandwiches, fi lled toasted paninis, see across-the-board investment in “Put the kids themselves at baked potatoes with healthy choice Older People’s Services, Child and the centre of the decision making fi llings, salads, yoghurts, fresh fruit, Family Services, and Adult and Justice and involve them at every level milk, water and pure fruit juice, Services. And for the seventh year in SCOTLAND’S oldest man Robert McTaggart with resource DOZENS of people have been helped out of hostel care into of change,” explained Councillor along with a vegetarian option as succession there will be NO increases manager Rena campbell in the Harry Heaney Centre. their own council tenancies. Gerry Convery, chair of the well as Halal meals and meals for for home care, meals on wheels, day A FLAGSHIP development for 2007 is a new to organise and deliver dementia care services. council’s Community Resources children who have special dietary care services, lunch club charges and £2.3million Dementia Day Care and Training Over the next 12 months the council will spend committee. needs community alarm services. Centre in Hamilton. over £70 million delivering more and improved The result has been one of the The new menus seek to increase Over the next year four new Working in partnership with the Dementia quality services to South Lanarkshire’s older largest consultation exercises ever the uptake of essential vitamins and children’s homes, a new integrated Centre gets thumbs Helping get people in South Lanarkshire’s schools nutrients such as Iron, Calcium, Services Day Care Centre at Stirling University citizens. community facility at the Dale Centre through the Health Promoting Vitamin C and Fibre. . the council is committed to ensuring the new Councillor Jim Handibode (right) is pictured in Lanark, a new integrated facility at Schools Committees. It involved At least two portions of Fairhill in Hamilton and a new Day This information can be made available on request, facility covers the best available design features with offi cials checking plans on site. This ihundredsnformatio ofn pupilscan b easm wellade asa vailable ovegetablesn reques andt, two portions of Care Centre in Hamilton for people up from Robert, 106 in ooutther langu aofges su chostelh as Chinese, Urdu ,carePunjabi or in othparents,er lang uteachingages s ustaff,ch a supports Chine se, Urdfruitu, P willunja bebi availableor every day to with dementia will open. Hindi: Please phone: 01698 454296 Hindistaff,: Ple acateringse pho staffne: 0and169 facilities8 4542 96 ensure the recommended ‘fi ve a An extra £500,000 will be added to managers across all of the council’s day’ portions of fruit and veg. And ONE regular at Spittal’s new Harry Heaney Centre is Scotland’s AROUND £7.9million will be invested by the council to help people the £9.43million budget to help older Five-star quality for older folk secondary and SEN schools. chips will only be available once a oldest man – Robert McTaggart who is now 106! Robert lived at home 01698 454296 01698 454296 and infi rm people stay in their own with learning and physical disabilities manage their own tenancies. Now new lunch menus week. homes, bringing the ten-year spend for until recent years but he is now resident at David Walker House in The councils Social Work and Housing and Technical Resources Rutherglen. He fi nally gave up bowling, his favourite pastime, just SOUTH Lanarkshire is arguable the only council specialist equipment and adaptations are working with NHS Lanarkshire to fi nd suitable housing and to £66 million. two years ago – but he still likes to visit the club house and also gets in the country delivering new fi ve-star quality care out and about to his church and the day care centre. alternative care solutions, allowing people to move out of hostel care homes for older people. Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: and live in the community with the0 proper1698 4support.54296 01698 454296 “Helping people stay in their own The new centre which is proving a big hit with older people from So far £12.1 million has been invested in new care homes with the correct support such the local area is the ninth purpose-built day care centre for older homes and extensive refurbishment of others. Helping ethnic minorities as equipment and adaptations to make people designed by the council’s architects – so they knew exactly Adult services boosts facilities And social work chair Councillor Jim Handibode their daily lives better is a priority for what was needed! A TOTAL of £20 million has been01 invested698 454 so29 far6 by the council in the has revealed that £7 million has been earmarked 01698 454296 the council. “The facilities are just wonderful” says Rena Campbell, resource development of new integrated facilities for communities. to replace David Walker House in Rutherglen. THE council has worked alongside the Lanarkshire Ethnic Minorities “A key to this is also our investment manager, who has worked in elderly care for many years. The new Murray Owen Centre and Lindsay House in East Kilbride The work, due to start in 2008, will complete the in home care support, letting many “Nowadays, people tend to be a lot more frail when they come in to programme to replace or refurbish all of South Action Group (Lemag) and other and South Lanarkshire Lifestyle in Cambuslang marked a £10million Lanarkshire’s care centres and care homes. agencies to produce a revised frail older people to continue living day care than they used to be – and we have a lot of service users who investment. independently in their own home with would never get out of the house without it – so it’s a vital service. “The standard of accommodation available is Race Equality Strategy that the right support. In the next year we Now a further £10 million is being spent on: second to none and is what everyone would wish for now includes the introduction C“WeO haveU workedNC withI Lthe ethnic minority community to develop ● 01698 454296 COUNCIL 01698 454296 will add £2.435 million to Home Care’s South Lanarkshire’s fi rst day care service for older Muslim people A new integrated community facility in Lanark to replace the old their elderly relatives who have to move into a care of third party reporting, a new £24 million budget.” Ttoo.A It’sX goneB reallyAN well.D WeS set aside a room for prayer and provide Dale Centre. The fi rst phase is due to be completed by this Spring, home,” added Councillor Handibode. TAX BANDS scheme that enables any victim Home Care has been signifi cantly a special menu and an interpreter one day a week. At fi rst we thought Forwitha co thepy isecondn large phaseprint including, braille, oar swimmingon tape p poolleas eandph fio tnessne: suite; In tandem with the new build work an additional NOTHING but the best for our older people as For aofc odiscriminationpy in large p suchrint, basr arace,ille, or on tape please phone: The full range of council tax bands The full range of council tax bands disability or age to report this expand by more than 4,600 hours per this(ex cmightluding t hbee Sac ocompletelyttish Water an separated service – but in fact everyone who 016●98 A4 new542 integrated96 community facility in Fairhill, Hamilton, £1.5 million. is being invested in 2007/08 to support(excluding the Sthiscotti spictureh Water an ofd £3.4m McKillop Gardens shows. 01698 454296 week, while over the last ten years attendsSewe rtheage centreTax) for 2has007 /mixed8* is: really well so the service has become residential and nursing care for clients, bringingSe werage Tax) for 2007/8* is: through housing, social work or Q replacing the existing Auchintibber Centre, and and A offi ces. They can then pass almost 12 million hours of Home Care fully integrated. the total 2007/08 investment to approximately £31 former Strathclyde Regional Council refurbished. A: £742.00 ● A new integrated community facility to replace Larkhall Resource A: £742.00 details on to the police. has been provided. Over the next 12 “Most people who attend Harry Heaney are collected from home million. Centre at a site is still to be confi rmed. Over £4.2million continues to be invested in months 26,500 hours of Home Care in the morning and can have breakfast when they arrive. There are Day Care is also an important area with more In addition a new outreach B: £865.67 B: £8delivering65.67 day care – services which are invaluable, IMPROVED links with the ethnic will be delivered each week. activities through the day, a three course lunch and afternoon tea More than £5.2 million has been committed by social work’s adult than £7 million invested in providing new and legal service has been launched, community included this event And in Justice Services £1.205 beforeC :people£9 head89.3 back3 home – so it’s a nice day out and I like to services to the delivery of day care services at the facilities, including refurbished centres. A total of 12 new day care C: £9providing89.33 support and respite for families and supported by North and South at Airdrie Town Hall. million has been earmarked to help think everyone leaves in good form.” an extra £200,000 in the next 12 months. centres have opened and fi ve inherited from the carers. Lanarkshire Councils. It is local youth justice teams provide D: £1113.00 D: £1113.00 provided by the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre through local Citizens sessions at Blantyre Pool, enabling additional services and support for E: £1360.33 E: £1360.33 more women to take part in Advice Bureaux. young people who persistently offend, swimming. as well as help the victims of youth The council has also worked F: £1607.67 F: £1607.67 For those whose fi rst language is crime and offer support for parents, residential homes and residential health and social care needs of the towards ensuring its own services not English, the council’s Customer including those subject to parenting schools. ThisG will: ensure£185 children5.00 remaining 12 people who will leave G: £1855.00 meet the needs of the ethnic Services Centre and Q and A offi ces orders. and young people with special Kirklands Hospital and move into the Four new children’s £3m for external Money to support community. A variety of books offers Language Line – a telephone needs receiveH the: best£2 quality226.0 of0 care community as part of the Hospital H: £2226.00 A £392,000 cash boost has been COUNCILLORS and magazines in ethnic minority interpreting service to deal with available at the earliest opportunity, Closure strategy. homes to open added to the Care Home Fee budget and offi cials residential places foster families languages is now available through initial calls. If someone is arranging helping to improve attainment levels ● for 2007/08 bringing investment to Latest statistics show that around catch up on YOUNG people in the care of the THE council is to spend £3million on THE area’s foster care service is to get our library service, with the an appointment with a council and outcomes.Householders are reminded that Householders are reminded that £1.142 million. to meet the 2007/08 600 people commit suicide in Scotland progress at the council are settling in to four new £350,000 to help meet the needs of the collection held at Hamilton Town service, a face-to-face interpreter Care Home Fee increase which is And £7.4i nmillioncluded i nwillthei rcontinueCouncil Ta xtob ibell external specialistincluded iresidentialn their Counc homesil Tax bil l each year. It’s a fi gure that can’t be site of the new children’s homes created at a cost of growing number of children and young House. will be arranged on request. nationally negotiated by COSLA investedwill inbe thethe Wdeliveryater and S ofew appropriateerage Tax and schoolswill be t hsupportinge Water and S childrenewerage T aandx which is set by Scottish Water. ignored, and the council is to spend Dale Centre, £5.5million. which is set by Scottish Water. Social Work has developed new And for people wanting through Scottish Care Homes. care packages to help people with people placed with foster carers. an extra £136,000 to support the the integrated young people with special needs. services for ethnic older people at information on registering to learning and physical disabilities The new homes designed to create When children have to be placed in To support children and young * implementation of the Choose Life community This* will ensure children and young the Harry Heaney Day Cay Centre vote, the Assessor and Electoral people with specialist needs live in their own homes with their strategy. It means social work will be a family environment are smaller foster care, the council makes every facility in people with special needs receive and supported volunteer schemes Registration Offi cer has arranged which can’t be met within South tenancies. able to support a range of initiatives Lanark. than the old-fashioned traditional effort to see that the children maintain in Burnbank and Hamilton. ● the best quality of care available at a telephone enquiry service in the Lanarkshire’s own residential In order to further improve the that provide early intervention to institutional buildings and will links with relatives, neighbours And South Lanarkshire Leisure main ethnic languages through accommodation £230,000 will be quality of care services an additional prevent problems and reduce the risk accommodate a maximum of eight the earliest opportunity, improving and friends in the community, as is has introduced women’s only Electoral Reform Services. invested to buy places in external £500,000 is being invested to meet the of suicidal behaviour. children. attainment levels and outcomes. appropriate. Page 28 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 29

Enterprise Resources RENOVATION Lanark’s landmark venue set for £5million facelift It looks SHEDDING Keeping up the good work! LIGHT... on the Lanark great... Memorial Hall project, due to start work Roads and Transportation in 2008, which on the – Completion of the Garrion Bridge Improvement represented will turn the Garrion Bridge buidling into investment of £6.5M in a project which removed one of the worst areas of congestion the premier on the Central Scotland road network. The innovative solution, of a square roundabout, theatre venue surface was recognised by the Saltire Society who commended it for its excellent value for money, in Clydesdale. OVER the next 12 months and by COSLA, who gave it a gold award in recognition of its “quality of life” improvement. the council will spend almost £9million on surface work to Resurfacing Investment Work – At the inception of the Council in April 1996 the the area’s roads. road network was in poor condition due to under investment in the infrastructure over at The 200-scheme programme least the previous 20 years. The situation affected not just road will cover main roads, access surfaces but also lighting columns and bridges. routes to rural communities and roads in particularly poor Improvement plans are now in place to address the problem and with a condition. long term programme of investment we are well placed to secure The work, along with ongoing maintenance repairs continuous improvement of the condition of the road network. to the whole network, is part of Since 1999, with increased funding of £42 million, we have surface £26 million roads programme Hall’s includes: dressed/resurfaced over 26% of the road network. Over 4600 lighting ● The development and columns have been replaced in the first 3 years of a 10 year investment delivery of Route Action Plans programme valued at £1.3 million per annum. targeted at roads with accident problems ● 30 further ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ schemes Regeneration Social ● Four new pedestrian Regeneration – both Town and Rural – has been a key crossings activity since 1996 – initially with major public Inclusion ● Ten speed activated signs well!ANARK Memorial Hall is Hall in the same way that building ● A programme of safety realm/traffic management schemes in Rutherglen Implemented Blantyre and was improved. set to receive a £5.05m improvements around schools and Cambuslang, followed by important projects such North Hamilton Social Inclusion refurbishment. “Once we’ve teased out all the ● Completion of a junction as the Rutherglen Town Hall refurbishment, the Partnership to regenerate local L logistical factors, we’ll sit down with The building, which is Category improvement on the A71 at Cambuslang Precinct redevelopment and the ongoing Housing and Technical Resources to Berebriggs Road communities and focus on the 1 listed, although in good structural see if our vision for the building is implementation of the Hamilton Ahead Initiative as needs of young people. condition, has many operational technically feasible and affordable.” A programme of refurbishing well as rural schemes for Lanark and Carluke. problems. and strengthening bridges will One of the most successful Work is due to start in 2008, also be delivered, including: Over £250m has been spent over the last decade initiatives of its type in The main entrance to the building probably lasting 12 to 15 months, ● is through the remembrance chapel although that is dependent on the Painting of Clydeford Bridge, and investment will continue over the next, with the Scotland, it has helped to and generally queuing audiences have Cambuslang final design. Many local groups are ● major enhancement of East Kilbride Shopping Centre reduce unemployment, felt it inappropriate to enter through worried about the length of time that Waterproofing of three along with projects for Larkhall, Stonehouse the memorial area. Today, most people the building will be out of action but bridges in Larkhall ill-health and renew the area’s ● and Lesmahagow. enter via a side door which takes them this is something that the council’s Completion of the community spirit. to a stair, a platform lift and an office Community Resources’ Facilities and refurbishment of Cander - hardly perfect for Clydesdale’s main Cultural Service has had to deal with Bridge, Stonehouse via a Established partnerships to regenerate Larkhall, theatre. before. Rutherglen and Cambuslang’s most deprived “There are many things that could “When Hamilton Town House venues or be suspended. Lanimer Day “Lanark Memorial Hall will be both communities, providing new community be improved at Lanark Memorial was being redeveloped we realised events could be spread between the Tah communityis informat hallion candan ab venuee mad -e ata thevai lable on request, Hall but at the same time the facilities, offering training for local people that many theatre groups, dance Dale Centre and the school. inmomentother lita nisn’t,”guag hees explains.such as “AtCh ithenes e, Urdu, Punjabi or improvements depend on many other classes, clubs and societies would be moment it is a theatre with really poor and helping them become more active in “We realise that some arts groups things,” explains project manager struggling to find rehearsal rooms, could have short-term problems, but Hqualityindi: P changinglease ph roomsone: 0 that169 groups8 4542 96 community life. Cleland Sneddon. meeting rooms and a venue for their use as meeting rooms. Our vision we will have an arts team on hand 01698 454296 “We are in the very early stages of productions and Lanark Memorial to advise them and help them find for the building is that there will be In addition, a £64m Regeneration Outcome feasibility and so far what we’ve done Hall will be exactly the same,” says alternative accommodation.” appropriate spaces for groups to meet Agreement has been put in place. Amongst is gather up information about the Cleland. As with Hamilton Town House and - be it for a drawing class, a resident’s the first in Scotland, the ROA supports historic character of the building, the “There are two developments in Rutherglen Town Hall, Lanark’s local association or a voluntary group East Kilbride Master Plan – An ambitious partnership is site and their relevance. Housing and Lanark that will be finished before theatre groups, clubs and societies will meeting, appropriate accommodation 01698 454296 planned over the next 6-10 years to bring new retailers to the town activities to reduce deprivation and Technical Resources have carried out work starts on the Memorial Hall - the be consulted about the design and will be there for them. centre. Two critical elements of the masterplan involve new Council unemployment, create new community a structural assessment and we have a Dale Centre will have a community features of the building and they will “So, although the plans are far from facilities, improve health, renew community vision of what we’d like it to look like activity area which will be available be kept up-to-date with regular project set in stone, and the consultation is far concrete repair contract and Health facilities to be built in the heart of the town centre. and what features the space should outwith the day care time and Lanark news letters. spirit and improve the quality of life in from finished, Lanark and Clydesdale016 98 45429The6 Centre Roundabout have. Grammar School will be available. Some Lanarkians have voiced are set to have a modern arts venue in East Kilbride will also Clyde Gateway – Clyde Gateway, part of the Clyde Corridor, a national local neighbourhoods. “The original architect was We don’t have another theatre in concern that the community side of with plenty of space for community benefit from a much-needed regeneration priority, aims to maximise the economic opportunities offered by the Alexander Cullen who was also the the Lanark area on the same scale as Lanark Memorial Hall will be lost but use, with one foot firmly in the past refurbishment and the £1m Routes to Inclusion – this ambitious designer of Hamilton Town House the Memorial Hall and some events Cleland is keen to put their mind at to remember those who fell that we proposed M74 extension and create the social and environmental transformation of Flood Prevention Scheme at programme enables the Council and its and we hope to restore the Memorial will need to either be moved to other ease. might be free.” Golf Gardens in Larkhall will Rutherglen and the east end of Glasgow. partners to assist almost 2,500 COUNCIL 01698 45429be6 completed. The implementation of the masterplan has started and an urban regeneration company workless people each year to access As well as the £9m being TAX BANDS spent on surfacing and surface will be established to deliver this major regeneration initiative. employment, training or improve their skills. The full range of council tax bands StrathavenFor a centrecopy in lar guserse print, b ratoille , or on tapdressing,e please theph ostreetne: lighting (excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 infrastructure will be further Royal recognitionSewerage Tax) for 2007/8* i s: for Pat get ‘open membership’ deal enhanced with ongoing that in the past had shunned the site, for pleasant Local Plan – 5 local plans programmes of column Planning and Building TO many he is known simply as Mr Local A: £742.00 ”In his capacity walks, healthy sports and fresh air. have been completed since SOUTH Lanarkshire Leisure [SLL] has confirmed that replacement and network Government – the man who has been at the helm as chair of South B: £865.67 users of Strathaven’s Leisure Centre will be able to use improvements. Particular 1996. 4 of these plans cover of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Lanarkshire’s Standards Dukes Road – This brownfield site at Dukes Road in their membership to gain entry to any of SLL’s other attention will be given to sub areas of South Lanarkshire: for the past eight years. Corporate Resources Rutherglen, also heavily contaminated with chromium, C: £989.33 facilities during the two-year period the new Strathaven town centres, Neighbourhood Burnhill Open Space – In the Burnhill Cambuslang/Rutherglen, East Now comes ‘royal’ recognition of the work Committee, he has Management Areas, community was reclaimed at substantial cost by SLC, in partnership Academy is being built. area of Rutherglen an 8 hectare abandoned site, Kilbride, Hamilton and Lower East Kilbride councillor Pat Watters has done in D: £1113.00 been responsible facilities and crime hot spots. with SEL. A new community park was provided and leading Scotland’s local councils. for developing the They will also be able to continue to use the badly contaminated with Chromium waste was Clydesdale. The other covering E: £1360.33 Strathaven swimming pool, the fitness suite, including Councillor Chris Thompson, For Councillor Watters received a CBE in the Council’s family- regenerated through a £1.045 million scheme the balance of the reclaimed site sold for housing the sauna and spa, which will not be affected by the Chair of South Lanarkshire the minerals policy for the whole Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to local friendly policies that developed and funded by the Council, along with development. F: £1607.67 work at the school. Council’s Enterprise Resources of South Lanarkshire. A local government. are an outstanding Committee, said: “The Council The only areas affected during the rebuilding its partners the Scottish Executive and Scottish plan for the whole Council area is Pat’s 25-year service as an East Kilbride G: £1855.00 example to others understands how important the and was very much programme will be the games hall, the two squash Enterprise Lanarkshire. currently being produced which will councillor began in 1982 when he was elected to H: £2226.00 roads network is to people and Strathclyde Regional Council, quickly making the driving force courts and the multi-purpose room. that is why we make substantial The works included capping the site, forming football guide and ensure a consistent approach his mark there. that saw the council The move also means that although SLL’s other investments year-on-year. being awarded with pitches, a kickabout area, a network of footpaths, to future development Following the biggest reorganisation of local main centres have higher annual membership charges, “We are responsible for Investors in People recognition, the first council new lighting and augmented by landscaping the area throughout South government in over 20 years, Pat saw himself Householders are reminded that Strathaven members will not have to pay any extra maintaining 2200km of roads, inclinud eScotlandd in their C otoun achievecil Tax bil lthis.” costs. with trees, shrubs and woodland areas. Lanarkshire. A public being elected to the new South Lanarkshire 1308 bridges and structures and Council in 1995, where he chairs the powerfulw ill be the WCommentingater and Sewerag one T ahisx recognition Councillor Councillor Gerry Convery, chair of the SLL board, more than 50,000 streetlights, which is set by Scottish Water. The project has delivered dramatic results, not only inquiry into the content Corporate Resources Committee. Watters said: “I am absolutely delighted to be said that when the work at Strathaven Academy is which is an extremely changing the appearance of an area associated with of this local plan will be South Lanarkshire Council leader Eddie * getting this Honour. It has been an honour to completed, the new sports and leisure facilities at the demanding task. However, anti-social behaviour but giving it back to a community, held in 2007. McAvoy said: “This is a great honour not only for serve local government and the communities it Academy would include a 594sq metre games hall, a the money we invest and the Enterprise Resources Pat’s role in the wider work of local government represents for the last 25 years and in particular 180 sq metre gymnasium, a new 100 sq metre fitness programmes carried out ensure in Scotland, but is also very much a recognition the people of East Kilbride. It is something I suite, new squash courts, an all-weather surface pitch, it is maintained to the best of his service to East Kilbride and to South have done with absolute pleasure. I am very a new multi-purpose room, and associated changing possible standard.” Lanarkshire. proud today.” provisions. Page 30 South Lanarkshire Reporter South Lanarkshire Reporter Page 31

If your vehicle breaks down on COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP £300,000 grants for youth projects the motorway - Figures show where to stop and what to do Helping kids play Cambuslang ‘on the rise’

SOUTH Lanarkshire has welcomed independent figures that show Cambuslang is now one of Scotland’s most sought after housing areas. more active lives housepricereports.com Research carried out by , OUTH Lanarkshire and purposeful activities’ as an which provides one of the UK’s top house-price alternative to street-drinking. information services, as well as a comprehensive Community market analysis, shows that Cambuslang is ‘on the Partnership will Meanwhile, the problem- S solving team in Rutherglen rise.’ spend almost £294,000 and Cambuslang were given The company report year-on-year growth over the next year on UNIVERSAL £10,000 to spend targeting young of up to 34.26 per cent in the housing market, Connections initiatives aimed at people involved or potentially with annual price gains ranging from £36,000 to received involved in fire-raising/damage £110,000. diverting young people funding for to property. “This really doesn’t come as a surprise to away from crime. a range of me,” said council leader Eddie McAvoy, “but it youth oriented Larger sums were awarded The cash will be distributed to organisations working with is welcome confirmation of the success of the projects, progress we have made over the past ten years to as a series of grants through including young people across South the Local Action Fund [LAF], a Lanarkshire including £55,000 turn round the fortunes of a once proud town that environmental over the previous two decades had suffered from Scottish Executive-funded project and to the Council’s Integrated being incorporated into Glasgow.” set up to promote the national gymnastics. Children’s Services to provide programme for youth justice. activities during school Mr McAvoy pointed to the massive amount The fund supports small, holidays and £32,206 to the Arts of land reclamation that had taken place and the locally-run projects which are Development Team to create a subsequent housing developments that had turned designed to make a real difference ‘Rock School’. The Arts team was once blighted land into homes for families. for young people. given a further £20,550 to provide “The result for all to see is that Cambuslang has locally-based arts activities for More than 40,000 young people once again become a desirable area in which to pre-12s. have already benefited from the arts with £9,040 given to Larkhall Problem-Solving Unit and £5766 live, and this survey is testament to that,” said the fund's wide variety of activities Universal Connections for music, to the Larkhall Problem-Solving The Outdoor Resource Base council leader. and programmes. Over the past dance and drama groups. Unit, both to tackle issues was awarded £29,296 to buy But it is not only the private housing market that two years' £551,000 from LAF has Universal Connections centres surrounding youth disorder outdoor equipment for specific has been a winner. For Councillor McAvoy pointed meant 14 existing programmes in Carluke, Lanark and East linked to alcohol misuse and education pursuits whilst to the transformation in the council’s own housing have been expanded, with five Kilbride were also given funding. vandalism. Strathclyde Police and NHS stock. new facilities created and 207 In Carluke, £1500 was spent on In East Kilbride, the local Lanarkshire were given a total “When we took over from the former Glasgow Hard Shoulder Safety activities started from scratch or an environmental project, Lanark problem-solving unit was of £25,000 for diversionary and District Council that had been responsible for increased. focused on gymnastics with an awarded £15,000 to provide a street-based activities. Cambuslang and Rutherglen for 21 years, we Now, over the next 12 months, award of £2,300, whilst £6,500 summer weekend programme Councillor Gerry Convery, found council housing that was just not in a another £294,000 will help ensure was awarded to East Kilbride of events whilst in Hamilton, Chair of Community Resources condition we would have expected. equality of access for young UC to provide a programme the unit was awarded £12,000 explained that the decisions on “To put it politely, it had been shamefully people to a wide range of positive offering young people positive to engage with young people funding were tailored to the neglected. It was as if Cambuslang and Rutherglen leisure time pursuits which help alternatives to anti-social involved in making malicious needs of young people through a had been treated as second class.” Motorway hard shoulders are for emergency use only. process of close consultation. foster future healthy lifestyles. behaviour. hoax calls, fire-raising and “Now our £190million HomeHappening Awards made in the Hamilton Problem-solving units across vandalism. He added: “The effects and council house modernisation programme is not Only stop if it is a real emergency and you have no other choice. area included £7,262 to South Lanarkshire were also In Clydesdale, a further £12,000 benefits of this will be felt not only transforming the homes of council tenants Stonehouse Youth Forum to get involved in the initiative, with was awarded to the problem- only by the young people but by throughout the area, but is also improving the local young people involved in music/ £15,960 going to the Blantyre solving unit to offer ‘diversionary all who live in our communities.” environment. What to do if an emergency forces you to stop Give full details to the police; also inform them if you are a vulnerable This information can be ma“Tode adatevai lalmostable o n2200req homesuest, in Cambuslang motorist such as a woman travelling alone. in other languages such aands C Rutherglenhinese, U rhavedu, P beenunja transformedbi or through Pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible, with your Hindi: Please phone: 016HomeHappening98 454296 . wheels turned to the left. Leave your sidelights on and use your hazard Return and wait near your vehicle (well away from the carriageway and hard Stonehouse and Councillor McAvoy’s comments were echoed by shoulder. It is best to retreat up the bank, or behind a barrier if this is possible). the council’s depute01698 business454296 manager, Councillor warning lights. Gateway to opportunity Larkhall to get John McGuinness. If you feel at risk from another person, return to your vehicle by a left-hand “In those early days we put in place foundations Try to stop near an emergency telephone (situated approximately at one which were built on our hopes for Cambuslang door and lock all doors. Leave your vehicle again as soon as you feel the SOUTH Lanarkshire council is to play a key to attract some £1.4billion of private sector and Rutherglen. mile intervals along the hard shoulder). Streetscaped 01698 454296 danger has passed. role in what has been hailed as ‘Scotland’s investment. “Now with the likes of the £12million largest and most ambitious regeneration A partnership between SLC, Glasgow THE Council’s Streetscape projects Cambuslang Gate development, our hugely Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure all your passengers do project’. City Council, Communities Scotland, Before you rejoin the carriageway after a breakdown, build up speed on the have been transforming town centres successful Lifestyle facility at Eastfield, our The Clyde Gateway project will Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish schools and council housing programmes and the same. Leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them throughout South Lanarkshire with East 01698 454296 hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic. Be aware that other breathe new life into parts of Rutherglen, Executive, it also has support and our determination to see that our older folk have under proper control on the verge. If you have reflective jackets in the Cambuslang and Glasgow’s East End by investment from the private sector. Kilbride, Lanark, Rutherglen and Blantyre the best facilities possible, we are beginning to vehicles or hazards may be stationary on the hard shoulder. among the many communities to have vehicle wear them. Never use a reflective triangle on the motorway hard transforming the areas into ones of growth The plans cover an area of over 2000 eradicate the disastrous results of 20 years’ of and opportunity with thriving business and acres, stretching from Glasgow Green to benefited from substantial investment. neglect.” shoulder. If you cannot get your car onto the hard shoulder housing communities fully equipped to Cambuslang. Major projects within Clyde Now it’s the turn of Stonehouse and st meet the challenges of the 21 century. Gateway include the M74 extension, which Larkhall. Ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder, Do not attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway. The scale of the project is such that it CwillO involveU Nthe constructionCIL of the final 01698 454296 The Village Cross in Stonehouse will This information can be made available on request, will take 25 years to complete and during link in this part of the motorway network, undergo an £850,000 transformation and that children are kept under control. Switch on your hazard warning lights. that time has the potential to create 21,000 TbetweenAX FullartonBAN RoadD Snear Carmyle and in other languages such as Chinese, Urdu, Punjabi or to improve road safety,F increaseor a co ppublicy in l arge prinHti,nbdir:aPillleea,soe rphoonneta: p01e6p98le4a5s4e29p6hone: new jobs, 10,000 new homes, up to 400,000 Tthehe f uM8ll ra nmotorwayge of council nexttax ba tond sthe Kingston safety and generally make the area Do not attempt even simple repairs. Leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway. square metres of business space and will (eBridge.xcluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 Sewerage Tax) for 2007/8* is: brighter and more appealing. the work 01698 454296 remediate 350 hectares of derelict and Other important projects which will should be complete by the summer. contaminated land. It also has the potential Walk to the nearest emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway If you have a disability which prevents you from following the advice above be implementedA: £742. include00 the creation At Larkhall the £2m work, which of a strategic green space at (the direction is indicated by an arrow on the posts at the back of the hard should be completed by the autumn, will Stay in your vehicle. B: Cuningar£865.6 and7 the completion of 01698 454296 shoulder which are 100 metres apart) – the telephone is free of charge and improvement works at Rutherglen cover Union Street, McNeill Street and C: Industrial£989.3 3Estate. Raploch Street as well as the area to the connects directly to the police. Use these in preference to a mobile phone. Switch on your hazard warning lights. north of Union Street, known as the Rose Councillor Chris Thompson, D: £1113.00 Garden. 01698 454296 If you must use a mobile phone, make sure you describe your location – If you have a mobile phone, contact the emergency services and be prepared Chair of South Lanarkshire E: £1360.33 Councillor Chris Thompson, Chair of there are reference numbers on all telephones and marker posts. Council’s Enterprise Resources to advise them of your location. Committee, said: “The Clyde South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise F: Gateway£1607 .is6 7a project we are Resources Committee, said: "These extremely proud to be involved Streetscape projects are about bringing G: £1855.00 01698 454296 in and it is something that peopleCO UNCimmediateIL benefits to the area in terms For further information on Road Safety in South Lanarkshire, please contact H: in£ South2226 Lanarkshire,.00 particularlyTAX BANofD physicalS improvement and enhancing Rutherglen and Cambuslang,T hwille full range of councilroadtax ban safety,ds but I also expect they will For a copy in large print, braille, or on tape please phone: benefit from for years to come.”(excluding the Scottish Water and 01698 454296 The Road Safety Team on 01698 453620. Sewerage Tax) for 200bring7/8* is: further benefits in the longer term." Householders are reminded that A: £742.00 included in their Council Tax bill will be the Water and Sewerage Tax B: £865.67 which is set by Scottish Water. Published byC: South£989. 3Lanarkshire3 Council and produced by * D: £1113.00 South Lanarkshire Corporate Communications and Public Enterprise Resources Affairs, CouncilE: £ 1Offices,360.33 Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA. Tel: 01698 454904F: £1607.67 G: £1855.00 H: £2226.00

Householders are reminded that included in their Council Tax bill will be the Water and Sewerage Tax *which is set by Scottish Water. Page 32 South Lanarkshire Reporter For your information... Convenient ways to pay your Council Tax 2007-2008 CHANGE TO DIRECT DEBIT 7 WAYS TO PAY The easy way to pay The Council offers the following methods to pay your Council Tax. Please The Council recommends payment by Direct Debit as the safest and contact your local office for further information on any payment method. easiest way to pay your Council Tax. The Council offers a choice of Council Tax is payable in ten monthly instalments between April 2007 five payment dates during the month: 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, and January 2008. Payment is due on the first day of the month, with the so customers can select the payment date which suits them. exception of Direct Debit payers, who have a choice of five payment dates. Changing to Direct Debit could not be easier. Just call the Direct Debit helpline on 1 BY DIRECT DEBIT: 0800 085 0829 Helpline: 0800 085 0829 where your application will be completed over the phone and sent to you for signature. 2 BY PHONE: Call the 24 Hour Payments Call Centre RECOVERY ACTION South Lanarkshire Council will take prompt action to avoid the build-up Freephone 0800 30 40 80 of Council Tax and Rent arrears. Council staff will contact customers who to pay by Credit or Debit Card have missed payments by letter, telephone calls and home visits to discuss repayment arrangements and offer advice and support. However, when customers fail to make or adhere to a repayment arrangement, the Council will take legal action to recover outstanding 3 ONLINE: debts. For Council Tax arrears, the Council will lodge a petition at Court for a www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Summary Warrant, which enables the Council to take legal recovery action, including attachment orders and earnings or bank arrestments. 4 BY POST: In rent arrears cases, the Council will obtain a decree to recover Please send cheques to the Cashiers Service, Brandon Gate, the outstanding debt and repossess the property. 1 Leechlee Road, Hamilton ML3 0XB and remember to write your reference number on the back of the cheque. SUPPORT AND ADVICE The Council recognises that customers may experience financial 5 BY STANDING ORDER difficulties and if you experience problems in meeting your Council Tax or Rent payments, you should contact the local office as soon as possible. Our fully trained staff can offer confidential advice and assistance, 6 At the local COUNCIL CASH including: OFFICE, POST OFFICE or PAYPOINT • Repayment Arrangements • Advice on Housing or Council Tax Benefit eligibility 7 BY PAYROLL DEDUCTION • Advice on access to Welfare (State) Benefits, including Income Support for South Lanarkshire Council employees • Money Matters Advice, including Debt Counselling Services

Your local office can provide information and advice on HOW TO CONTACT US: Council Tax, House Rent and Benefit Eligibility: Blantyre, Q and A, John Street, 01698 527303 Cambuslang, Q and A, Main Street, 0141 584 2555 Carluke, Q and A, Kirkton Street, 01555 777816 East Kilbride, Q and A, Civic Centre, North Team (G74), 01355 806263 East Kilbride, Q and A, Civic Centre, South Team (G75), 01355 806040 Hamilton, Q and A, Brandon Gate, Leechlee Road, 01698 453275 Lanark, Q and A, South Vennel, 01555 673551 Larkhall, Q and A, Union Street, 01698 453071 Rutherglen, Q and A, Main Street, 0141 613 5526