thewww.southlanarkshire.gov.ukreporterMARCH 2013 BUDGET SECURES VITAL SERVICES

A COUNCIL FOR ALL GENERATIONS Convenient ways to pay your council tax 2013 – 2014 7 ways to pay The Council offers the following methods to pay your council tax. Please contact your local office for further information on any payment method. Council tax is payable in 10 monthly instalments between April 2013 and January 2014. Payment is due on the first day of the month, with the exception of Direct Debit payers, who have a choice of five payment dates.

1 By Direct Debit: 4 By post: Change to Direct Debit Phone: 0303 123 1011 Please send cheques to the The easy way to pay Cashiers Service, Brandon Gate, 1 Leechlee Road, The Council recommends payment 2 By phone: Hamilton ML3 0XB and by Direct Debit as the safest and Call the 24 hour payments remember to write your easiest way to pay your council tax. Call Centre reference number on the The Council offers a choice of five back of the cheque. payment dates during the month: Phone 0303 123 1005 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, so To pay by credit or debit card 5 customers can select the payment By standing order date which suits them. 6 At the local Council Changing to Direct Cash Office, Post Debit could not be easier. Just call the 3 Online: Office or Paypoint Direct Debit helpline on www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk 7 By Payroll Deduction:

For South Lanarkshire Council 0303 123 1011 where your application will be employees completed over the phone. Recovery Action Support and Advice

South Lanarkshire Council will take prompt action to The Council recognises that customers may avoid the build-up of council tax arrears. Council staff experience financial difficulties and if you experience will contact customers who have missed payments problems by letter, telephone calls and home visits to discuss in meeting your council tax payments, you repayment arrangements and offer advice and should contact the Council Tax Recovery team on support. 0303 123 1014. However, when customers fail to make or adhere to a Our fully trained staff can offer confidential advice and repayment arrangement, the Council will take legal assistance, including: action to recover outstanding debts. The Council works O Repayment arrangements in partnership with a Debt Investigation company and Sheriff Officers to ensure that outstanding council tax is O Advice on council tax benefit eligibilty recovered. O Advice on council tax discount or exemption For council tax arrears, the Council will lodge a petition eligibility at Court for a Summary Warrant, which enables O Advice on access to the Council’s free Money the Council to take legal recovery action, including Matters Advice Service attachment orders and earnings or bank arrestments.

How to contact us:

Please phone our contact centre on 0303 123 1011 for information and advice on all council tax and benefit issues or alternatively you can email us at [email protected]

If you need this information in another format or language, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone: 0303 123 1011 Email: [email protected] www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

2 the reporter Welcome 24 WELCOME to the March edition of The Reporter magazine which sets out the main points of the council’s budget. Despite the economic difficulties across the United Kingdom, I can give you categorical assurance that frontline services will be protected in the coming financial year. We will remain on course with a budget of £664.791million for 2013/14. Budgets in Education, Social Work, Roads and Community Resources have all been increased. These are tough times, and there is no getting away from that, but our 2013/14 budget sees increased funding in the frontline services we deliver day in, day out, for the people of South Lanarkshire. Last year’s budget was £718.216million. The Budget update difference for 2013/14 is mainly due to the 4 22 impact of both Police and Fire moving towards The council sets its budget and a national service. Funding for Police and Fire of priorities for the financial year ahead around £60million has therefore been removed from the council budget. Council Tax will also remain frozen for the sixth year in a row. Council Tax bandings for 2013/14 and the council’s running costs for the Glowing report year are set out in tables on page 5. 12 Councillors approved the 2013/14 budget Secondary school is given lavish proposals at a special Executive Committee praise after inspectors call meeting on Thursday, February 14. I am also proud to say that South Lanarkshire Council has introduced a Living Community reborn Wage rate of £7.56 per 14 hour – the best deal in Four-page special feature on how the country for low- a local community is being rebuilt paid workers outside London. Our commitment to regeneration remains Old tyres recycled undiminished and I 20 hope you enjoy the four-page special ... as they are reused as material feature on the rebirth used in the rebuilding of roads of the community of Fernhill. South Lanarkshire is 38 a council for all gener- A bug’s life ations and we are here 24 for you 24-hours-a-day, 365 days of the year. Council encourages biodiversity by allowing grassed areas to go to seed Eddie McAvoy, Council Leader Driving efficiency 30 Joint editors Cathie Russell/Margaret Barr Council uses hi-tech to boost the Deputy editor peformance of its massive fleet Eileen McAuley 01698 453975 Publisher Corporate Communications, Investing in health South Lanarkshire Council, 32 Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA. Council upgrades sports, leisure www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk and community facilities

contents See page 38 to reveal the full picture the reporter 3 Budget2013 Council’s £665m budget secures vital services Classroom revolution continues to deliver

PLANS for a brand new £9million primary school in Larkhall have been given the go ahead. Councillors approved proposals for Machanhill Primary School at a recent meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Committee. The existing primary school and nursery will be demolished and replaced by a modern, new building. There will also be a multi-use games area, CCTV cameras and a boundary fence. Pupils will be decanted to the former Glengowan Primary School building while the work is taking Council Leader Eddie McAvoy is committed to investing in schools, services for older people, housing and roads place. The new school and SOUTH Lanarkshire residents have up with an imaginative package of the calendar year 2013, we anticipate nursery will be based over been assured frontline services will proposals, allowing us to do every- 91 new primary schools will be two floors. be protected in the coming financial thing we can to minimise the completed. The ground floor will year. impact of cuts and continue to “A total of 17 new secondary include the nursery, five Despite continuing economic deliver on our key priorities. schools have also been built and classrooms, dining room, difficulties across the United “Ongoing investment in our two modernised. gym, kitchen and offices, Kingdom, Council Leader Eddie schools, services for older people, “Our care homes for the elderly while the first floor will have McAvoy is confident South housing stock and roads is all are superb – they are second to seven classrooms and a staff Lanarkshire will remain on course secure, as is our pledge to do all none – and the housing stock room. with a budget of £664.791million we can to boost economic improvement programme of heating Chair of South Lanarkshire for 2013/14. prospects for local communities upgrades and replacements is Council’s Planning Committee, Last year’s budget was across South Lanarkshire.” progressing well. Councillor Hugh Dunsmuir, £718.216million. The difference for A total savings package of “And for the employees who said: “I am delighted that the 2013/14 is mainly due to the impact £12.2million was presented as part deliver these services, we have committee has given of both Police and Fire moving of the preparation work to shape introduced a living wage of £7.56 approval for the new school. towards a national service. the 2013/14 budget. Most were per hour, one of the best rates in “Our primary schools Funding for Police and Fire of approved however, crucially, two the country. modernisation programme is around £52million £60million has proposals were dropped from the “We are going forward into 2013 continuing to deliver first- therefore been removed from the list – plans to continue the secure in the knowledge that our class facilities for our pupils Council budget. reduction of school crossing budget can, and will deliver on all and teachers across South Council Tax will also remain patrollers and a review of primary of our key priorities. Lanarkshire. frozen for the sixth year in a row. school class sizes. “Make no mistake, looking ahead “Thousands of pupils have Councillor McAvoy stressed: The move saved a total of of 30 to 2014/15 and 2015/16, we are had their school lives “These are tough times and there is full-time equivalent jobs. facing difficult years and we are transformed thanks to the no getting away from that but our Councillor McAvoy added: going to have to take some very programme and I am sure 2013/14 budget sees increased “Money is tight but our guarantee hard decisions. everyone within the funding in the frontline services we we will deliver on key projects “However, our budget for 2013/ Machanhill primary school deliver day in, day out, for the remains on course. 14, which guarantees increased community is excited by the people of South Lanarkshire. “Investment will continue in the investment in vital services, shows news.” “Budgets in Education, Social Schools Modernisation Programme, there is still continued growth here.” For a full report on the Work, Roads and Community our housing stock, caring for the He added: “I will continue to work council’s multi-million-pound Resources have all been increased. elderly and our roads improvement with officials to achieve the very schools modernisation “By working closely together, programme, which began in 2008. best we can for the people of South project turn to pages 6/7. councillors and officials have come “I am proud to say, by the end of Lanarkshire.”

4 the reporter DELIVERING HISTORIC HOMELESS REFORMS Budget2013 SOUTH Lanarkshire Council treated as in priority need, service through the ‘housing implemented the 2012 Home- effectively removing it as a options’ approach and note lessness Commitment three separate category when that, in a recent satisfaction months ahead of the deadline. assessing how to respond to survey, 84 per cent of housing Budget at The commitment was part of homelessness. options customers rated the the 2003 Homelessness etc The 2003 Act has become service as excellent or good. (Scotland) Act, which set out a known as one of the most Graeme Brown, Director of a glance.. requirement that from January progressive pieces of homeless- Shelter Scotland, said: “The 1, 2013, all unintentionally ness legislation in the world. 2012 Commitment is interna- homeless households would Scottish local authorities were tionally regarded as the cutting- Council Tax Bands have the right to settled given until the end of 2012 to edge of progressive homeless- accommodation. implement the new legislation, ness reform and the council can The full range of Council Tax The council implemented this in recognition of the fact that it be very proud that it is leading bands – excluding the Scottish requirement last October, three would take significant prepara- the way in making history. Water Sewerage Tax – for months ahead of schedule. It tion and investment to achieve. “I congratulate it on its contin- 2013/14 is: means every household that The council is confident that ued focus on meeting its respon- finds itself in this situation will be customers receive an excellent sibilities to homeless people.” A: £734.00 B: £856.33 The rise in the council’s C: £978.67 living wage will add D: £1101.00 around £1million E: £1345.67 to South F: £1590.33 Lanarkshire’s wage bill to G: £1835.00 help low-paid workers H: £2202.00

Householders are reminded that included in their Council Tax bill will be the Water and Sewerage tax that is set by Scottish Water The council’s running costs

THE running costs the council needs to provide its services are contained in the revenue budget. The revenue budget sets out how much each service can spend on staff, accommodation and supplies, less the income it raises in any charges made for its services, such as registration fees, a variety of licences and planning /building fees. Living wage best deal in This chart shows how much South Lanarkshire’s services will spend during the 2013-2014 country outside London financial year. Running costs SOUTH Lanarkshire Council has said: “This will help all low-paid added: “The vast majority of the Education: £311.024m introduced a Living Wage of employees struggling to make lower-paid employees in the £7.56 per hour – the best in the ends meet. council are women and I am country outside London. “It will make a difference and is pleased we can give them this Police & Fire: £0.550m The new minimum pay rate the best living wage deal in the increase, which will further reduce means a monthly wage increase country, outside London. the gender pay gap. Roads/lighting: £37.629m for around half of the council’s “Our workforce is vital in “Our new living wage will have Transport subsidies: £6.122m 14,000-strong workforce. delivering frontline service to the a positive impact on our It will also see an above people of South Lanarkshire. employees, giving them more Social Work: national pay offer award for “We are doing all we can to money in their pockets in these £146.694m employees earning less than mitigate the effects of the difficult economic times. Other housing costs: £21,000, based on a 37-hour financial hits our workforce have “This move builds on our £14.929m week. had to take in recent years.” commitment to delivering a Leisure & Rec: £33.671m Nationally, the one per cent pay Among the council’s workforce, decent living wage for our offer is currently with the trade 7757 employees earn less than employees.” Cleansing/environ: £35.712m unions for consideration. £21,000 – 78 per cent of them The proposals are estimated to A Scottish Local Government’s women. add an additional £1million to the Libraries/museums: £5.178m recommended Living Wage of For employees earning less council’s wage bill, with costs £7.50 is due to be than £7.56 per hour these being met from the council’s Planning/building: £1.439m implemented in 2013/14. proposals represent a substantial revenue budget. However, South Lanarkshire is increase over current earnings, Initial consultations with the Other services: £71.843m pegging their Living Wage at including the £250 supplement, trade unions in the council £7.56 per hour, rising from £7.20. averaging £488 per annum for a indicate this is a very welcome Total: £664.791m Council Leader Eddie McAvoy 37-hour week. Councillor McAvoy development for employees.

the reporter 5 Pictures by Anne-Janine Nugent

The recently appointed Park View Head Teacher Maria Spiers, above centre, with some of the parents and pupils who will be attending the brand new school when it opens in August, with computer generated images of how the new primary will look when it is completed, right and below

6 the reporter No Halfway measures for brand new school

SOUTH LANARKSHIRE GIVES THE GREEN LIGHT FOR FIRST ENTIRELY NEW PRIMARY SINCE 1996, AS SARAH BURROWS HAS BEEN FINDING OUT

NOT only is work continuing apace on the £812million state-of-the-art buildings, with another 53 schools on primary schools modernisation programme – which track for completion in the next few years. will see each and every one of the area’s primary “If you add that to the 17 new secondary schools schools being rebuilt or replaced – but the council is and two modernised secondary schools, it illustrates also creating the first entirely new school since perfectly our commitment to education and ensuring reorganisation in 1996. that our young people have access to learning in the The non-denominational school, costing £7.5million, very best buildings possible.” is to be built in Halfway Park on the site of a disused The Reporter can also confirm that Maria Speirs, park pavilion. right, has been appointed Head Teacher of the new The new Park View Primary is the first entirely new primary school in Halfway, Cambuslang. school to be created in South Lanarkshire. Over the next six months, she will oversee the It has been designed to serve a growing population resourcing of the brand new Park View Primary, the in and around Halfway, as well as homes currently first to have been built in South Lanarkshire. within the catchment of Hallside Primary School. Maria graduated from Glasgow University in 1995 Meanwhile, work has started on site for the and began her teaching career in Glasgow. following schools: She then went on to hold promoted posts in North Auldhouse Primary School Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire, before becoming Carstairs Junction Primary School Head Teacher of Thornliebank Primary in East Carstairs Primary School Renfrewshire in 2009. Coalburn Primary School She also has a Masters Degree in Education from Park View Primary School, Strathclyde University and successfully completed the Heathery Knowe Primary School, East Kilbride Scottish Qualification for Headship. James Aiton Primary School, Building work on Park View Primary is now well Lanark Primary School under way and the first of the new pupils to start in Leadhills Primary School August have just enrolled, as indeed they have done in Maxwellton Primary School and throughout schools in the area. Greenburn Primary School Park View is set to provide a first-class learning Mossneuk Primary School environment for the growing population in and around Neilsland Primary School and the area, with separate catchment areas for the school Woodlands Nursery and that for Hallside Primary being established. Sandford Primary School The school will provide seven classrooms, gym hall, St Cadoc’s Primary School dining room, stage, staff facilities, library and IT suite, St Mark’s Primary School, Hamilton 21-space car park and multi-use games pitch. St Mark’s Primary School Rutherglen Councillor Jean McKeown, Chair of South Lanarkshire St Mary’s Primary School Larkhall Council’s Education Resources Committee is delighted St Peter’s Primary School, Hamilton with progress on Park View. And, subject to planning consents, construction is “It is fantastic to see the new school take shape and due to start on the following new schools later this it is an exciting opportunity for Mrs Speirs to take the year: new school forward, ready for pupils to start in Lamington Primary School August,” she said. East Milton Primary School “This is the first brand new school to be built in the Muiredge Primary School, Uddingston area for decades and it will be an asset to the wider South Park Primary School community. It is testament, indeed, of this council’s Forth Primary School ongoing commitment to education and giving our Long Calderwood Primary School young people the very best start possible.” Stablestone Primary School And Maria said: “I am delighted to join South St John’s Primary School, Blackwood Lanarkshire’s Education Resources as the Head St Leonard’s Primary School, East Kilbride Teacher of the new school in Halfway. Woodside Primary School “I am ambitious for our pupils and believe that they St Bride’s Primary School, Cambuslang should be given the opportunity to learn and develop Bankhead Primary School new skills and knowledge, supported by dedicated So far, 75 primary schools have been completed, and talented staff members, within a learning environ- along with 41 nursery classes, 18 bases for children ment that is stimulating, attractive and meets the with additional support needs and 12 community needs of 21st century learners. wings. By the end of the calendar year 2013, the “Our new school will be a happy, vibrant and inno- anticipated total will be 91 new primary schools vative place in which to learn and work. I am looking completed. forward to building a successful partnership with the Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said the schools children, families and local community to create a programme underlined the authority’s commitment to school which we will all be proud of. I look forward to first-class education. “Since 2004, when the Primary working together with the parent council and families Schools Modernisation Programme was launched, 65 as we plan ahead for the opening of our school in August. per cent of primary aged children have moved into This is a very exciting time for everyone involved.”

the reporter 7 Council helps to promote careers in construction

SOUTH Lanarkshire’s construction industry has enjoyed a huge boost thanks to the council’s ongoing schools rebuilding programme, writes Andy Livingstone. Now, in a major spin-off from the multi-million-pound project, a new drive has been launched to raise awareness of, and access to, the full range of exciting career and job opportunities available within the construction industry. The schools £850million rebuilding programme, launched in 2005, is being carried out by four partners – the council’s Building Services, Kier Scotland, Lend Lease and Morgan Sindall. Together, they are upgrading the council’s entire stock of 124 primary schools to 21st century standards by 2016. Now the four partners who, as organisations, are strongly committed to social responsibility, have joined forces to apply to the National Skills Academy for Construction, led by CITB-ConstructionSkills. Their application was approved and a skills co-ordinator, Cat McFarlane, below, has been appointed to run the scheme in South Lanarkshire. Her remit is to help people to access jobs in the construction industry, which is far more wide-ranging than it first appears. “For instance, it can involve opening pupils’ eyes to jobs that they might not have previously thought about, from the traditional trades to architecture or civil engineering, for example,” explained Cat. “On the other hand, I can be advising someone on a site who is, perhaps, a time-served tradesman but who is maybe interested in upskilling and needs some computer training in order to make that transition. “I can also spot opportunities for people, as we give them forms at their site inductions that I can use to spot skills gaps or chances to advance that they may not have considered themselves.” Cat added: “I can be taking contractors in to do talks at schools or helping people in the industry to research and apply for training – it’s all in a day’s work.” Cat has what might seem an unusual background for this job in that, prior to working in Procurement with Lend Lease, she was a theatrical agent. But, according to Cat, her previous role and her current position have far more in common than people might think at first. “It is all about facilitating, about spotting the right person for the right opportunity, and finding a way to make it work,” she said. “I am very much a people person and that is what this is all about – getting to know people and understanding how I can help them.” National Skills Academy for Construction is led by CITB-Construction- Skills, an organisation with a track record of more than 40 years of successfully meeting the training needs of the construction industry.

8 the reporter BUILDING better lives ANDY LIVINGSTONE REPORTS ON THE HUGE PROGRESS BEING MADE IN THE COUNCIL’S FLAGSHIP HOMEHAPPENING PROJECT

A RESOURCE central to South Lanarkshire accessible showers, but without sheltered Council’s vision of improving the quality of housing officers or communal areas. people’s living standards and building better In Coalburn, a number of homes are being communities is Housing and Technical fully refurbished to incorporate some of the Resources. latest advances in external cladding and With a housing stock of more than 25,000 heating systems, while the transformation of properties, providing quality homes to tens of the huge complex of flats at Greenhill Court, thousands of local residents, the Resource is in Rutherglen is nearing completion. clearly pivotal in terms of helping the Helping to build better communities is council achieve one of its key objectives. central to Housing and Technical Resources’ Such a large and varied portfolio, spanning remit and and never more so than in helping a wide range of ages, sizes and construction to manage the enormous project to rebuild or types, obviously poses a huge logistical renovate all of the authority’s primary schools. challenge in terms of co-ordinating its Many of these new schools – especially in maintenance and improvement. rural areas – are specifically designed to Here in South Lanarkshire, one of the incorporate community facilities and are country’s biggest programmes of housing enabling pupils across South Lanarkshire to improvement has been running under the enjoy their education in 21st century ‘HomeHappening’ umbrella for the past state-of-the-art facilities. nine years. As well as creating the best properties Last year, Housing and Technical Resources possible for tenants to live in, Housing and th completed the 25,000 property in its multi- Technical Resources also works hard to million-pound flagship programme to install provide accessible services through our Q and brand-new kitchens and bathrooms in almost A offices, Customer Service Centre, the every council home. council website and out-of-hours service. The focus of the programme has now These help ensure tenants and residents shifted to upgrading and installing heating across South Lanarkshire can easily make systems, improving insulation and external payments, get help and advice on benefit fabric, as well as fitting new windows and matters, homelessness, repairs and tenancy doors and improving the external environment, matters, as well as problems such as antisocial which will help meet the Scottish Housing behaviour. Quality Standard by 2015. The council spends more than £20million a From April, however, the council will face a year on the repair and maintenance of homes whole new series of challenges as changes and the surrounding areas to ensure they are brought about by national Welfare Reform kept to a high level. start to take effect, and Housing and Technical The council has a number of projects Resources will play a large part in helping the underway that will continue to regenerate and many people who will be adversely improve communities, as well as create new affected. homes to help meet continuing high levels of From offering advice on what changes will demand for housing in South Lanarkshire. be brought in, when they will start to take At the end of 2012, the latest phase of the effect and what they will mean to individual regeneration work in Fernhill was completed, people, the Resource will work to help local with 18 new council houses and 96 West of residents deal with the changes. Scotland Housing Association homes built, as All of these services and projects – and well as five new shops and a new community more – will continue into 2013-14. centre to help continue with the overall Residents will start moving into new transformation of the area. sheltered housing properties in Rutherglen In the coming year, a further 26 new council and Cambuslang, and new shops will start to houses will be completed in Skye Road, open in Fernhill as more tenants move into the Cathkin, and Turnberry Drive, Spittal, and housing around them. there will be a major boost for older people Plans are being developed for further with the completion of 41 new sheltered new-build homes and the heating upgrades homes in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. will continue, with a target of around 3000 To help make best use of the housing stock homes, while work is already underway on and help people stay in their home longer, the building of 18 brand-new primary schools, assessments are also being carried out to identify with a further 12 due to begin construction in homes that are suitable for being adapted to 2013-14. become Amenity Housing for older tenants. Across South Lanarkshire, in these and These are homes that have all the many other ways, Housing and Technical advantages of sheltered housing incorporated Resources will continue to work to make a in their design, such switches and sockets at positive difference to the quality of life of the convenient heights, wider doorways and people who live here. the reporter 9 So what have the roads ever done for us ...

IT is the biggest asset the council owns and is vital to so many THEY ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF ANY TOWN OR VILLAGE, CONNECTING components of everyday life. EVERY STRAND OF MODERN LIFE, FACILITATING BUSINESS AND PEOPLE, Yet few of us ever give the ALLOWING BOTH TO MOVE FREELY AND EFFICIENTLY. AND, HERE, IN roads infrastructure a passing thought, except in those SOUTH LANARKSHIRE, A MAJOR PROJECT IS ONGOING TO ENSURE exceptional circumstances when THIS VITAL NETWORK KEEPS YOU MOVING. BY JAMES DAVITT we are perhaps inconvenienced by necessary repairs or resurfacing. condition of the network. however, acknowledged that a huge section of resurfacing in So what have roads ever done This was revised slightly in while huge progress had already Blantyre that began the previous for us? 2011, with the scheme now been made, the improvement year at Glasgow Road. Well, they connect every strand continuing through until 2019. programme was ongoing. In the East Kilbride area, the of modern life, running like veins The spending is set to continue “We do recognise that there is A726 through Strathaven was through the human body, this year, with an additional still a long way to go and cold, resurfaced at a cost of £180,000 facilitating business and industry, £12million being spent on the wet winters can do a great deal of during the past year. linking town and country, cutting road network. damage to the roads,” he said. One major resurfacing scheme the distance between people, Chair of the council’s Enter- “However, I am confident road planned for 2013/14 is at markets and services. prise Resources Committee, users across South Lanarkshire Kirktonholme Road, costing Thus, the quality of an area’s Councillor Chris Thompson, said can see the difference the scheme around £200,000. road network still plays a vital they were making “excellent is making.” Western Road in Cambuslang role in its economic development progress” on improving roads In the Hamilton area, significant was improved at a cost of and wellbeing despite the expo- across South Lanarkshire. investment was made last year in £115,000 in the last financial year nential rise of virtual connectivity. “Since we embarked on the resurfacing the B7071 Main Street and it is planned to spend That is why improving and Roads Investment Programme in Bothwell. £110,000 on Blairbeth Road in maintaining the roads network almost five years ago, more than Around £190,000 was spent on Rutherglen during 2013/14. continues to be one of the 40 per cent of our network has the scheme using “Repave”, a In the Clydesdale area, the A73, council’s key priorities. been improved,” said Councillor road recycling technique that from St Johns Kirk, Symington, to There is approximately 2200 Thompson. “This year, an reduces CO2 emissions, waste Wyndales Farm, was resurfaced km of roads in South Lanarkshire additional £12million will be and energy consumption. and a new drainage scheme that the council has responsibility spent,ontopoftheannualroads It is also quicker than normal installed at a cost of £520,000 for and that equates to a value of budget of around £10million. resurfacing schemes. during 2012/13. more than £3billion. “This is a significant invest- Among the other schemes Plans are in place for Cloglands In 2008, it was announced that ment and demonstrates our going ahead this year is expected in Forth to be improved during the council would embark on a commitment to improving the to be Bardykes Road/Hunthill 2013/14 at a cost of £150,000. This £126million investment project quality of our roads.” Road in Blantyre. Costing around is part of year-on-year improve- over eight years to improve the Councillor Thompson, £330,000, the works will complete ments in and around this area.

10 the reporter MORE than £33.5million is to be invested in housing by South Lanarkshire Council in 2013-14 – while its tenants will face a below inflation rent rise of 2.5 per 15m plan cent. £ Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: “We were keen to continue the extensive investment in housing of recent years, which continues to see massive improvements across South Lanarkshire. “For example, the HomeHappening housing improvement programme is now heavily involved in will create upgrading and installing heating systems, improving insulation and external fabric, fitting new windows and doors, as well as improving the external environment to help meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. “In addition to the completion of the extensive 15,000 jobs regeneration work in Fernhill, a further 26 new council houses will be completed in Cathkin and Spittal, and there will be a major boost for older people with the THE first phase of a major cycling, will provide a continuous completion of 41 new sheltered homes in Rutherglen £15million National Business route along the banks of the and Cambuslang and the continuation of the District that could help create Clyde and include ecological and refurbishment programme of our sheltered complexes 15,000 new jobs has been given landscaping improvements. the go-ahead, writes James Also planned is a new industrial Davitt. spine road running through the The huge project to regenerate southern part of the site and a vast areas of vacant and derelict green network strategy, including land around the former Shawfield sustainable drainage systems. COUNCIL TO Industrial Estate was given The site lies within the Shawfield approval at December’s Planning area of Rutherglen, and covers an Committee meeting. area of land between the M74 It paves the way for more than motorway to the south, River INVEST £33M 350,000 square metres of business Clyde to the north, the boundary space to be developed over the of Glasgow City Council to the next 20 to 30 years. west, and railway line to the east. As well as excellent road and The areas to be developed rail links, the site’s river-front have been split into five broad IN HOUSING location is a key feature of the zones, one of which is a HQ Area, scheme and the proposal aims to to the east of Shawfield stadium. throughout South Lanarkshire.” Every year, the council capitalise on the potentially attrac- South Lanarkshire Council meets with tenants at a series of events to explain the tive location by creating a high- Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “This budget process, to hear tenants’ views on their quality, sustainable development. is one of the most ambitious and priorities for the following financial year and the level Among the many ambitious groundbreaking projects we have of rent rise needed to make that possible. plans for the area is a new had the pleasure of giving approval Councillor McAvoy added: “Although securing this pedestrian and cycle bridge over to in recent years. level of capital programme, in excess of £33.5million the River Clyde, with links to “It could make a significant for the coming financial year, prudent financial Dalmarnock, which is an area also contribution to growth in Scotland’s budgeting over the years has enabled us to keep the undergoing major regeneration in economy, as well as massively rent rise to less than inflation.” preparation for the Glasgow 2014 improving the local environment. Commonwealth Games. “The size and scale of Clyde The bridge was given approval Gateway’s ambitions really have at an earlier South Lanarkshire to be applauded. Council Planning Committee. “It’s important to remember that There is also a proposal for the the site is currently mostly vacant creation of a new Shawfield Cross and derelict land, with contami- on Glasgow Road that would nants in the ground. include a pedestrian-friendly civic “These proposals will bring the square and links to the new area back into use and create a bridge. A new river promenade/ first-class riverside hub for walkway, suitable for walking and business and leisure use.” Tenants are delighted with the council’s commitment to improvements

the reporter 11 School for excellence

INSPECTORS LAVISH PRAISE ON SECONDARY AND HEAD TEACHER, AS LYNNE CARSTAIRS REPORTS

FOR many of us, the thought of line with the new Curriculum for being responsible for educating Excellence,” he said. the next generation of young And Tony, far right, is justifiably adults would be enough to induce proud of the achievements of sleepless nights. current and former alumni. But, for Tony McDaid, Head “We, as a school community, are Teacher at East Kilbride’s delighted with the inspection Calderglen High School, it’s the report, which recognises the work reason he gets up every morning. that has taken place since the And the “outstanding leader- school was formed in August 2007, ship” he provides to staff, pupils from the merger of the former and the wider community has Claremont and Hunter High helped to win the school plaudits schools,” said Tony. on a national scale. “In that time, there has been a Calderglen High in East Kilbride number of notable school commu- wowed inspectors after they nity achievements, including visited the school last year to significant academic success, with gauge its progress following the pupils moving on to university implementation of the Curriculum and further education, studying for Excellence. subjects as diverse as medicine, Their glowing report hailed the law and business management to school’s curriculum as “sector- aeronautical engineering, music, leading” and Tony’s leadership as drama, and social sciences.” “outstanding”. Calderglen’s young people have Inspectors also highlighted the also excelled in sport and the invaluable contribution of partner- performing arts, with trophy wins ships and innovation and the in boys’ and girls’ football, netball school’s holistic approach to health and handball. and wellbeing, as well as the Individual pupils also picked up impact of leadership at all levels gold medals in Scottish athletic across the school, as first class. and swimming events. In fact, across five key quality And, as far as the arts go, the the report adding: “Learning and on this aspect of pupils’ education. indicators, the school achieved Calderglen Wind Band are British achievement are of particularly Such opportunities for learning ‘excellent’ in three – Learners’ Champions and the Jazz Band are high quality. at all levels of the school are high- Experiences, Meeting Learning three-time annual winners at the “The school community lighted, including strong links Needs and the Curriculum. Glasgow Jazz Festival. exemplifies high expectations, with feeder primary schools, While in the remaining two Such diversity and quality of support and mutual respect. themed literacy and numeracy categories – Improvement achievement, reflects an environ- “Young people feel very secure projects at S2, “master classes” in Through Self Evaluation and ment that nurtures its students at and know that staff value their S3, as well as a wide range of Improvements in Performance – all levels and is one of the many views. The school is helping them courses that meet the interests and the school achieved ‘very good’. facets of life at Calderglen that become independent thinkers. needs of the seniors from S4-6. The report so impressed the caught the attention of inspectors. “They experience rich learning Effective communication and Scottish Government that Dr In fact, so impressed were they through clubs, visits, excursions leadership were also marked out Alasdair Allan, MSP, Minister for with some of the “innovative and residential courses … and, at as “powerful features” of the Learning, Science and Scotland’s practice” on display, that represen- all stages, young people are school. Languages, far right, visited the tatives want to return to the school confident and mature in their “The school works extremely school to congratulate staff and to learn more and share ideas with approach to the many innovative well with a range of partners, pupils. other local authorities. learning opportunities in classes including parents … for example “It is an outstanding achieve- Inspectors praised the school and beyond.” the Chaplaincy Team works with ment for Calderglen to become the across every aspect of campus life. Learning “real life” skills is also the school to provide workshops, first school marked as excellent The curriculum, for example, is key to the Calderglen curriculum where young people have time since criteria were strengthened in described as “sector leading”, with and the report focuses much praise and space to reflect on personal 12 the reporter credit to South Lanarkshire but, most importantly, to its young people.” But, perhaps Calderglen’s best endorsement of all comes from the pupils themselves, who when asked why they loved Calderglen responded: “Because Calderglen High loves me! Staff members always give 100 per cent to helping us learn and making sure we get the best out of our time.” Hannah Scott (S1) “... you always feel safe no matter what the circumstance and because of the fun that I have in my learning.” David Logan (S1) “... the school community is fantastic at assisting my needs. matters. Young people support outstanding facilities that McDaid as having nurtured that The teachers put 100 per cent into each other very well in classes and contribute to supporting pupils’ sense of community,” she said. their work and to help the pupils. I work very effectively to support learning which, in turn, helps us as “It goes on to praise his ‘very am really lucky to be part of this pupils in the campus partner we implement Curriculum for high expectations and vision for school and how it will help me establishment, Sanderson High Excellence,” he said. the future creating a forward- pursue my goals in the future. It’s school. “It is also clear that the excellent thinking school, inspiring young great.” Dean Garrity (S3) According to inspectors, Tony behaviour and positive attitude of people to learn and develop’. “... of the amazing opportunities McDaid is very highly regarded pupils helps create an environment “I can honestly say that I agree we are given. The staff and other and has nurtured the sense of that supports attainment and with every word of this. The pupils also help you to pursue community exemplified by the achievement. school has a fantastic sense of your dreams and goals.” Beth motto ‘We are Calderglen’. “Our school vision is ‘Working community across pupils, teachers, Dougan (S4) His very high expectations and Together’ to inspire learning and support staff, parents and carers, “... of the numerous opportunities vision for the future have created a shape the future and this captures and that is in no small part down I have been given, not only for my forward-thinking school that what we strive for on a daily basis.” to Tony and the leadership he goals in school, but my aspirations inspires young people to learn and South Lanarkshire Council’s displays. forthefuture.InowknowwhatI develop skills for the future. Chair of Education Resources, “This strength cascades down want to do when I leave and it has Understandably, Tony is mildly Councillor Jean McKeown, is through the outstanding depute all been through the help given by embarrassed by such lavish praise delighted with the school’s heads, senior and class teachers, to the school.” Ian Rae (S5) and is keen to point out that success the pupils themselves who, as the “... staff and pupils encourage Calderglen is a community – a “This report talks about the report points out, are ‘justifiably me to be proactive, which is easy sum of all of all its parts. school motif – ‘We are Calderglen’ proud of their school’. Calderglen with such a wide range of activities “We are fortunate to enjoy – and credits Head Teacher Tony High School is undoubtedly a around the school.” Erin McIver (S6) the reporter 13 TRANSFORMATION is one of those words, decline, with lots of empty properties, vandal- demolished, creating more space for residential Annette Finnan believes, that is thoroughly over ism and perceptions from outside the commu- development and five new shop units have used when it comes to building projects. nity were poor.” been built, due to open later this spring. But, in the case of Fernhill in Rutherglen, The council, in collaboration with the Scot- And in one of the most startling changes, the South Lanarkshire Council’s Head of Area tish Government, West of Scotland Housing old Fernhill Pavilion, built in the late 1950s as Services (Housing and Technical Resources) Association and the local community, came little more than a small hall with meeting rooms reckons it is entirely justified. together to draw up a masterplan which, as and some outdoor football pitches, has been “What’s happening in Fernhill is about much, Annette explains, had a simple aim. replaced with a £5.5million community centre much more than the physical changes – it’s “The plan was to transform Fernhill into a complete with a range of sports facilities and about putting the heart back into a place in which people wanted to live and play areas. community,” she explains. work,” she says. Involving the community in the masterplan “All you have to do is walk through Fernhill “Partnership working is essential on a project was essential, as Annette Finnan explains. today and you will see the transformation of this scale and we worked closely with a “Here was an area badly in need of regenera- taking place in front of you, with new-build range of organisations and groups to make it tion but the community – the local residents properties going up on one side of the road happen.” and shop owners – were absolutely key to the and the old houses coming down on the other.” The masterplan was developed by John whole process,” she says. South Lanarkshire Council’s Fernhill Gilbert Architects, in consultation with the “It wasn’t about the council coming in and regeneration strategy began in 2004, when it community, and developed in partnership with foisting our opinions upon them – it was about was already obvious the community was West of Scotland Housing Association. listening to people in Fernhill, reflecting their suffering from an assortment of problems, A total of 302 tenement flats have already wishes and capturing the active community including poor housing conditions, antisocial been demolished, with 34 still to go. So far, a spirit that already existed there.” behaviour and deprivation. total of 176 new homes have been built, The council formed a Neighbourhood Board Annette explains: “Most of the housing in including properties for rent and shared equity, to provide a forum for the local community, Fernhill comprised tenements and deck 158 built by West of Scotland Housing elected members and key partners to oversee access buildings that were very unpopular, Association and 18 built by South Lanarkshire and shape the regeneration process and pick showing the signs of wear and tear and Council.” up on a wide range of issues, including broader densely packed. The area as a whole was in The existing parade of 11 shops is to be problems such as antisocial behaviour,

IN THIS SPECIAL 4-PAGE FEATURE, ANNIE STUART REPORTS ON THE STUNNING TRANSFORMATION THAT HAS LED TO THE ..

REBIRTH OF A COMMUNITY

14 the reporter improving places to play and activities for the place, they wanted to stay and improve it. young people. “There is a real demand for the new housing, A new-build focus group was also established a buzz about the place. People in Fernhill have by West of Scotland Housing Association to always been proud to live there but that sense work with residents who were being re-housed of pride is growing and it has become a and to ensure that they could influence key vibrant, attractive place.” aspects of their new homes at the design Annette is first to admit that there are still stage. challenges to be faced in Fernhill. Elinor Taggart, the housing association’s “The wider regeneration masterplan involves director of property investment, says: “Our improving the housing stock we have retained, focus groups in Fernhill were very well not just focusing on the new build,” she says. attended – it is a very community focused area, “We are looking into further phases of with strong champions in local residents who Before: Fernhill was badly rundown new-build development and plan to continue were keen to work with us on the regeneration external environmental improvements across plans. community, whether it’s young children, or the whole Fernhill community.” “That was fantastic for us because we could families, or older people, can come and join in Annette smiles: “We have got the momentum draw upon their experience of the area.” what’s on offer,” she says. – we want to keep it moving. It’s very rewarding “Following on from the focus groups we “Fernhill has always had a strong sense of to think you have been part of a bigger plan have established our own residents’ association community – yes, the area, like many others, that is making a difference to people’s lives. and they have regular meetings. had its problems around community safety and “But it’s not about how we feel, it’s about “The community remains essential to the the physical decline of the place which, of how the community feels and the feedback we whole process and it is up to them to keep the course, has an impact on the people living and have been getting has been very positive – pressure on us, and on the council, to ensure working there.” people are delighted. I think the future is She adds: “But what’s different about extremely bright for Fernhill.” Fernhill continues to flourish.” Central to the transformation is the community Fernhill is the determination and enthusiasm of The story of Fernhill’s rebirth facility, as Annette Finnan explains. “This is the the people who want to change things. continues on pages16/17. hub, a place where every section of the “They didn’t want to leave and give up on

‘What’s happening in Fernhill is about much, much more than the physical changes – it’s about putting the heart back into a community’

the reporter 15 FOCUS ON FERNHILL

Community spirit is alive and kicking ... A walk along her local main street is like a stroll down memory lane for Annette T AS FRESH LIFE IS BREATHED INTO

R Riches.

A The Fernhill grandmother laughs: “I FERNHILL, TRANSFORMING THE U recognise so many faces from years ago

T – every second or third person is S

someone I know and it’s really nice. AREA AND GENERATING NEW HOPE E

I “I see children I used to know, who

N are all grown up now. I feel like I have Annette and Sam, who are in their amazing – I go along for the bingo.

N come full circle.” early 60s, have been married for 37 “The new shops will make a big A Annette grew up in nearby years, and have three grown-up children difference, too. Sometimes, it could feel

Y Rutherglen and moved to Fernhill in the and one grand-daughter. a bit intimidating if you were out in the B late 1960s. The couple are South Lanarkshire late evening but it’s not like that any After her children were born, she Council tenants and delighted with their more.” moved away but, in November last year, new home in Neilvaig Drive. Martin Green, who owns Melville she and her husband, Sam, decided the “It’s fantastic, we’re really settling in,” Chemist in Fernhill, agrees. time was right to come back. smiles Annette, a former bakery worker. The pharmacy – part of M&D Green “I have always liked this part of South “Now the area is changing again, for Dispensing Chemist – is moving out of Lanarkshire – it’s where I’m from,” she the better this time. its current home in the rundown parade says, simply. “I used to live on Fernhill “There is a new energy about the of shops into the brand spanking new Road, in a wee maisonette not far from place and I think people are starting to units across the road. where I am now. feel proud of the area again.” “We’ve been here for around 12 years, “The area changed a lot after I left – it The Riches’ house is close to the new so we have seen the area change got quite rundown, like everywhere that community centre and children’s play- considerably,” he explains. has older houses and shops.” park. “The move will allow us to expand She adds: “But some things didn’t “I love hearing the kids play in the into a bigger unit and develop the change – the community spirit, for swing park – it’s lovely to hear them services we already offer to people in example. shouting and laughing and it’s good to Fernhill. “What I’ve always loved about see the area being used properly,” adds “For example, we will have a consul- Fernhill is the way people look out for Annette. tation room for customers looking for a each other and fight their corner.” “And the new community centre is bit more privacy, plus better equipment 16 the reporter The new-look Fernhill, Pictures by Anne-Janine Nugent chemist shop owner Martin Green and pharmacist Louise Carson, centre, and brothers Thomas and James, with Annette and Sam Riches, left and more space. “The parade of shops has always been the focal point of the community and, despite the traders’ best efforts, has fallen into disrepair over the years. The new ones will help to revitalise the area.” Martin, and pharmacist Louise Carson, have got to know the people of Fernhill well over the years. “The area has had its problems but there is a great community spirit here,” explains Martin. “Throughout all the demolition work and rebuilding, it’s been hard for the traders and residents but things are heading the right way now. “Everyone is feeling upbeat and buoyant about what’s happening and it’s good to see.” Brothers Thomas and James have always looked out for each other. They supported each other after both their wives died following battles with cancer and, despite moving to different areas of South Lanarkshire and beyond, they have always kept in touch. So when ill-health struck and Thomas, 65, found himself in need of extra care, James did not hesitate. “After we were both widowed, we stayed in touch,” explains James, 68. “Thomas had a stroke several years ago, so he needs a bit of extra help. “He took up his South Lanarkshire council tenancy in November, moving into a lovely ground floor cottage flat, which really suits him. “There are not too many heavy doors to negotiate – he uses a wheelchair – and he is looking forward to spending some time in the garden in the summer.” Thomas and James are both impressed by the changes taking place in Fernhill. “It’s great to see things improving,” says James. “There is still a lot of work to do, of course, but things are definitely moving in the right direction.” Annette Riches agrees. “A lot of people have the wrong idea about Fernhill,” she says. “When we said we were moving here, some folk couldn’t understand it – they said they would never live in this area. But I feel comfortable here. When you see all this work getting done and money being spent, you realise people want things to change and, so far, it looks good.” Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said : “The regeneration of Fernhill is a massive undertaking that will give many people a much better standard of living. “The quality of the new housing that has been provided in both phase one, and the recently completed phase two, is amazing, and I know many tenants have said how delighted they are with it. “With the addition of the brand-new community centre and shop units, it is heartening to see that the council and our partners, working closely with the local people themselves, are taking huge steps towards creating an area that the community can be proud to live in. “This has taken a great deal of planning and years of work, but it goes to show what can be achieved when people work together for the common good.” the reporter 17 WELFARE REFORM – UNDER OCCUPANCY New team to help people hit by the changes to housing benefit

Picture by Anne-Janine Nugent we know it’s going to be hard for them,” explained Debby, left. ‘... there are a “If, after checking their circum- lot of people stances, it’s clear that people are going to have to make these losing out payments, we can advise them on and there is payment methods and check if no doubt it’s there is any other advice or support we can offer that might going to be help them. tough for “Some people will want to move them’ to smaller properties. And we are looking to see how we can DEBBIE SMITH promote mutual exchange schemes that would enable people to swap with those who would like more bedrooms. “But, the fact is, there are very few one-bedroom properties in our housing stock. “We can also arrange for people to see the council’s Money Matters service if they are in financial difficulties, or want benefits advice. “Our South Lanarkshire Works 4 You service can help them prepare for a return to work, if that’s possible. “It’s important that people do make their rent payments when IN APRIL, more than 5000 tenants complete a form that would up- have been significantly adapted they’re due and that they talk to us of working age, who live in council date their current circumstances. for their needs. right away if they are getting into or housing association homes in Head of Housing Area Services “But there are a lot of people any difficulties.” South Lanarkshire, will lose part of Annette Finnan explains: “More losing out and there is no doubt The council aims to use the their housing benefit as a result of than 1700 people replied to the it’s going to be tough for them.” experience of supporting people the UK Government’s welfare first batch of letters, which was a Under the new rules, where affected by under-occupancy to reforms. great response. parents don’t live together and help prepare for greater changes New under-occupancy rules “We have been working our way have shared care of children, the due to be introduced later in the mean that from April 1, 2013, through these returns to identify children are only treated as living year, when the Department for people on housing benefit will any households that might be with the parent that provides their Work and Pensions starts to roll have their benefit reduced if they exempt from the charges, or have main home. out Universal Credit. are deemed to have more special circumstances that would In effect, this means that many At that stage, rent will no longer bedrooms than they require for allow us to grant discretionary parents, particularly fathers with be paid direct to the council, or their family size. support. weekend access, will have a other landlords, and all benefit This leaves many single people “In February, the council wrote significant shortfall in their housing claimants of working age will need or couples in two-bedroom again to people giving them a benefit under the new rules. to pay their own rent from their apartments, and middle aged clear indication of how much they People planning a family and Universal Credit, which will be people whose children have are going to have to pay and also mums who are pregnant are not paid monthly in arrears. moved out of the family home, wrote to people who have now entitled to a room for their child Occupancy rules having to find the money to pay been identified as exempt from until the baby is born. Working-age households are for their ‘spare rooms’. the new rules. The council’s housing service allowed one-bedroom for each for: In council houses, this has “Unfortunately, the Department has formed a temporary ‘Benefits A couple meant losing £8, on average, for for Work and Pensions has are Changing’ team that will make A person over 16 one extra room and £14.50 a week, allowed very few exceptions to contact with tenants affected and Two children of the same sex on average, for two or more spare these restrictions – but anyone who have not responded to the under 17 rooms. But some people are who has reached the age that letters to offer any support they Two children under 10 of either having to pay as much as £20 a people become eligible for state can, as people adjust to this sex week from their existing income pension credit is exempt, and change in their circumstances. Any other child (other than a and there is no transitional people who need a carer staying Debby Smith, a team leader foster child or a child whose main support to phase in the change. overnight are allowed that room. with Q and A in East Kilbride, will home is elsewhere) The council and housing “We also have some discretion lead the 10-strong team. A severely disabled child who is associations wrote to tenants they to help people who foster children “These changes are affecting unable to share a bedroom due to believed might be affected last when they are between place- people who, by definition, are their disability November, asking them to ments and people in houses that already on very low incomes and A carer providing overnight care 18 the reporter WELFARE REFORM – PIPS

THERE are two components of Money Matters tips on PIPS PIP – Daily Living and Mobility – and both of these components IF you’re on Disability Living If you are already 65 on have two rates, standard and Allowance and want to apply April 8, 2013 – you are not enhanced. for an uprating after October affected by these changes. There are 10 daily living activities MORE than 12,000 disabled people in South Lanarkshire this year, because your situa- Money Matters works covered in a PIP assessment: currently receive support with their tion has worsened, contact closely with colleagues in preparing food, taking nutrition, living costs from Disability Living Money Matters or Citizens Education to assist young managing therapy or monitoring Allowance (DLA). Advice for advice first. This is people with Additional Sup- health condition, washing and extremely important as you port Needs on benefit claims. bathing, managing toilet needs or Under the UK Government’s Welfare Reforms, DLA is to be will be reassessed under the The most important thing to incontinence, dressing and un- phased out for people of working new PIP rules and these are remember is that there is help dressing, communication verbally, age over the next few years. different from the rules for available to assist you through reading and understanding signs, DLA. this process. symbols and words, engaging with A new scheme of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is If you have a fixed-term If you are worried about the other people to face-to-face and being introduced for those in the award that expires from the changes or you need advice making budgeting decisions. 16-64 age group. end of February 2014, you will and assistance then contact The mobility component looks The Department for Work and be asked to apply for PIP your local Money Matters at two activities – planning and Pensions states that DLA has approximately 20 weeks Advice Service or Citizens following journeys and moving before your award is due to Advice Bureaux. around. become “outdated and unsustainable” and that PIP will end. You should contact IF you are a carer, South Each activity contains a set of ensure benefit is “more fairly Money Matters or Citizens Lanarkshire Carers Network descriptors that define increasing Advice for help. is keen to know if you care levels of difficulty and each one is targeted at those who face the greatest barriers”. If you have a DLA award for someone and have been scored. The timetable for introducing that is indefinite, there will be affected by welfare reforms. For both daily living and mobility the new benefit was revised earlier no change before October Please contact 01698 components, if the scores add up this year and, like all the welfare 2015 and it could be 2018 285163 for further info. to eight points, the standard rate reforms, may still be subject to before you are asked to apply of PIP is paid and where they add Contact information for change. for PIP. up to 12 points, an enhanced rate You will get notice in writing of Money Matters and Citizens The DWP has been sending out is paid. general information about PIP to anything you need to do. Advice is on Page 48 all existing DLA claimants in their annual DLA benefit rate letters. It determines whether a relative This is the first time it has or friend qualifies for carers written directly to claimants about allowance to look after the person PIP. DLA claimants don’t need to and whether they qualify take any action as a result of this Appeals set to automatically for a Blue Badge. letter. If people lose Carers’ Allowance, From June 10, 2013, there will it will increase the numbers turning be no new claims to DLA for to Social Work services for more people aged 16 to 64. New appli- support, as carers losing income cants will apply for PIP instead. rise as disability will need to return to paid work. From October 7, 2013, existing The government estimates that DLA claimants who report a there will be a reduction of 5000 change in their DLA care or mobility Carers’ Allowance claims as a needs will be asked to claim PIP. result of the introduction of PIP by And claimants with existing fixed- benefit changes October 2015. term DLA awards due to expire South Lanarkshire Carers after the end of February 2014 will be asked to claim PIP. Network Chairman Robert Anderson Young people turning age 16 says: “We will be keeping a close will also need to claim PIP. are introduced eye on how this develops and Between October 2015 and we’re keen to hear from any carers 2018, all the remaining eligible who feel they have been adversely claimants in receipt of a DLA down. We saw this when Employ- for the enhanced rate mobility affected by the changes.” award will be invited to make a ment Support Allowance replaced payments has been reduced to 20 Most PIP applicants will need to claim for PIP. The DWP plans to Incapacity Benefit two years ago. metres under PIP from 50 metres attend an assessment that will have contacted everyone by 2018. “The success rate for those who under DLA rules. Following consider an individual’s ability to It will write to individuals in plenty appealed their decision and representations from many carry out a series of key, everyday of time to explain what to do. They sought help with representation at disability campaigners, the activities. don’t need to contact DWP now. their appeal hearing has been 70 Government announced at the But those diagnosed with terminal The council’s Money Matters per cent. The high success rate end of January that individuals illness, with a life expectancy of and Citizens Advice Bureaux are with ESA appeals indicates that would be assessed on what they less than six months, will be fast- bracing themselves for a big many people who are too ill to can do “safely, reliably, repeatedly tracked to benefits without a increase in the numbers of work are being refused benefit at and in a reasonable time period” further medical in the same way claimants turning to them for help first, losing income they desperately but the 20-metre distance has as they are at present. Personal with completing PIP applications, need for months while their appeal been retained. Independence Payments will not requesting reconsideration if PIP is pending.” There is a great deal at stake be paid on the basis of having a isn’t granted and with appeals to Disability organisations fear that because Disability Living particular health condition or im- the tribunals. many people, who currently qualify Allowance acts as a passport to pairment but on the impact of this Money Matters manager Jackie for DLA, will not qualify for PIP, or a range of other benefits. on the claimant’s every day life. Lawson explains: “Whenever will qualify but at a lower rate. benefits change, and new criteria However, it’s hard to predict ‘WHENEVER BENEFITS CHANGE, AND NEW are introduced, it has a big knock- how things will work out in the on effect on appeals. long term as the regulations have CRITERIA ARE INTRODUCED, IT HAS A BIG “It takes time for case law to been changing. determine how the new rules are For example, the distance interpreted and for things to settle people can walk before qualifying KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON APPEALS’

the reporter 19 HAVING WHEN OLD TYRES your say ARE NO LONGER FIT

FROM April 1, 2013 we are FOR THEIR ORIGINAL changing the way the council PURPOSE, IT’S NOT handles complaints. A new two-stage process THE END OF THE ROAD ‘have your say’ is being intro- duced that will make handling THANKS TO A RISING complaints simpler and more NUMBER OF INNOVATIVE effective for customers and the council. RECYCLING PROJECTS, Every local authority is implementing the Scottish Public INCLUDING REPAIRING Services Ombudsman’s new Complaints Handling Procedure, ROADS RIGHT HERE IN which has been introduced to SOUTH LANARKSHIRE, ensure that, nationally and locally, complaints are handled in a AS JAMES DAVITT HAS simple, effective and more consistent way. BEEN FINDING OUT The key to the new process is ensuring that, wherever possible, complaints are resolved at the first point of contact. The new procedure involves two stages, with the right of appeal to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. Stage 1– five-day resolution frontline/point of contact Stage 2 – 20-day resolution senior manager sign off If, after this, the customer remains dissatisfied they can then appeal to the ombudsman. The emphasis of the new procedure is on quick, frontline resolution. And it is expected that 90 per cent of all complaints received will be resolved at the first stage. In preparation, the council is rolling out training to employees who deal directly with the public and who receive complaints as part of their day-to day work. From mid March there will be more information about the new complaints procedure available in Council Offices, Q and A and from www.southlanarkshire.gov. uk Complaints concerning Social Work do not come under the new Complaints Handling Process and are dealt with under a separate statutory process. For further information please contact your local Social Work Office, or email swcomplaints @southlanarkshire.gov.uk Driving down arrears AN awareness campaign to encourage council tenants to pay their rent and reduce arrears has hit the roads. The council’s campaign reminds people of the importance of keeping their rent up-to-date and directs them to where to find help if they start to fall behind. The campaign is being promoted on local buses and mobile ad trailer. For advice on rents call 0303 123 1012 or visit your local Q and A office. Info is also available at www.south lanarkshire.gov.uk.

20 the reporter Work underway at Meadowhead Road in East Kilbride, where old tyres are being used as part of the rebuilding of the country road Driving forward with tyre recycling project

MORE than 100,000 worn tyres which weigh just under a ton and, problems with the road meant the “I was surprised to come here are discarded from vehicles in along with stone-filled wire baskets, council’s engineers decided the and see the tyres and the way Britain every day. form the foundations that the sur- best course of action would be to they are used. And that adds up to a colossal face of the new road will then be remove the peat altogether and “I imagined the process would 46million tyres annually. built on. replace it with a material that involve churned-up bits of tyre, Disposing of them is a major The environmental benefits are would better support the road not the bales that are in cubes issue, especially in light of the EU substantial as, otherwise, many surface. measuring roughly a square metre. Landfill directive that bans old old tyres simply end up at the The rubber bales are made by “We will closely monitor the tyres from being dumped at civic incinerator. stacking discarded tyres in a press road and see how things go over amenity sites. They can also be sourced and, once compressed, binding the coming months. And, while there are many locally, reducing the carbon foot- the bundle with baling wire. “If it is as successful as we innovative uses for recycled tyres, print and fitting in with the council’s The bales are lighter than hope, there is a real chance that many still end up being stored at sustainability commitment. traditional materials, contribute this method could be used in illegal sites and stockpiles which, Depute chair of South Lanark- towards recycling and were other suitable roads across South if not managed properly, pose a shire Council’s Enterprise donated to the council for free by Lanarkshire.” threat to the environment and Resources Committee, Councillor Clann Waste Management from Councillor Simpson explained public safety, not least in terms of Graham Simpson, left, believes Paisley. Excavators are removing that Meadowhead Road was a the fire risk they pose. reusing old tyres in road all of the peat along the 180-metre suitable location for a trial of the By their very nature, they are construction is the way forward. length of road and lining either bales because, although there is tough and durable, with the “This is a highly innovative and side of the trench with stone filled heavy goods traffic, it is not heav- average tyre clocking up around unusual method of repairing a wire baskets. ily used by the general public. 20,000 miles in its lifetime. road,” he said. “We are the only Part of the trench is then being “I would like to thank Clann There are a growing number of council in Scotland that is doing backfilled with compacted stone Waste Management for donating innovative, eco-friendly uses that this at the moment.” but the deepest 25 metre section the tyre bales to us and the give tyres an extended life, including The road has suffered a number is being filled with tyre bales sur- contractor Luddon, who are making stationery, shoes, sports of problems in the past few years, rounded in gravel. carrying out the work on our surfaces and garden mulch. mainly due to the level of heavy Once the trench is completed behalf,” he added. Now South Lanarkshire Council goods vehicles travelling on the the road is being rebuilt on top. A paragraph 19 exemption was is also helping to lead the way in C-class route. Investigations into Councillor Simpson added: “Of granted by SEPA for the use of the sustainable reuse of old tyres the road over the years also course, with any new venture it is bales under the Waste by using them in the rebuilding of revealed another problem – peat not without risk but, because the Management Licensing (Scotland) a country road at Meadowhead lies beneath the surface to a depth peat has been completely Regulations 2011. Road in East Kilbride. of up to 2.5 metres over a length removed, our engineers feel there Zero Waste Scotland are also The tyres are bound into bales, of around 150 metres. Continual is a good chance this could work. supportive of the project.

the reporter 21 Kenneth and Ann Gardiner joined their local Active health class and say it has helped to transform their lives for the better

first 10 weeks, and people tell us that their quality of life has been dramatically improved,” adds Lauren. Exercise prescribed “That is extremely rewarding. Many of the people who come along to the classes are struggling with confidence issues as they try to return to fitness after an illness. for health conditions “So being able to come along and have a chat and a laugh in their local leisure centre – rather than in a hospital environment, for PIONEERING PROGRAMME HELPS PATIENTS RECOVERING example, makes a world of difference to them.” FROM SERIOUS ILLNESS BACK ON THE ROAD TO FITNESS For the Gardiners, Active Health has been a godsend. “Kenneth’s AFTER suffering a heart attack region. It’s one of the first projects heart attack came right out of the two years ago, fitness fanatic of its kind in Scotland to focus on blue,” recalls Ann. Kenneth Gardiner was keen to bringing people with different “He didn’t smoke or drink and get back into exercise as quickly health conditions together, as he kept fit – but it turned out he as possible, writes Annie Stuart. health development officer Lauren had a genetic condition.” His wife, Ann, joined him at Logan explains. Kenneth explains: “I felt unwell their local Active Health class to “Active Health is a referral one Sunday night, went to the keep him company – and ended programme bringing together doctor on the Monday, and that up transforming her own health people recovering from heart was it. It was a complete shock. into the bargain. conditions and strokes, for example, He smiles, wryly: “But if you’re “I lost eight stone and practically and those living with long-term going to have one, have it in the cured my diabetes,” smiles Ann, illnesses, such as Parkinson’s west of Scotland. 61. “I no longer need medication Disease and multiple sclerosis,” “The care I received was fantastic, and I feel so much better – it is she says. and I was back on my feet very wonderful.” “In February, we also plan to quickly.” Rutherglen couple Ann, a retired introduce a pilot for those with Kenneth attends Active Health health and safety officer, and early onset dementia. incredible, and now most leisure at Eastfield Lifestyles in Cambus- Kenneth, 63, an aromatherapist, “There are plenty of tailored centres across South Lanarkshire lang and Ann went along to keep are full of praise for the pioneering fitness classes for cardiac patients, are running the classes.” him company. fitness programme, run by South for example, or those suffering the Formanyofthemenand “I loved it from the start,” she Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture in after-effects of stroke, but this is women attending Active Health says. “It’s really friendly. Losing partnership with NHS Lanarkshire. the first time one has brought classes, the social benefits are as weight has helped my diabetes It launched four years ago to everyone together. important as the physical ones. and my own doctors are delighted such acclaim that it now comprises “The response, when we “We ask participants to complete with the progress I’ve made.” more than 50 classes across the launched it four years ago, was an evaluation at the end of their Kenneth and Ann are not the 22 the reporter The Active Health referral programme run by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire is making a big impact only ones singing the praises of more sociable and we have a good here makes you feel so much bet- unique relationship with clients – the class and its cheerful instructor laugh together. I come because I ter about things – it makes you feel they build up a rapport with them Jackie Brown. love exercising and I want to keep alive.” and trust is an important part of “This is a very enthusiastic fit – I have also started Body Active Health is just one strand that. So by involving them in class,” explains Jackie. Balance classes, swimming of the long-running partnership spreading the key messages of “After a general warm-up, and yoga.” SLLC enjoys with NHS Lanarkshire. Detecting Cancer Early, we can everyone splits into pairs and does Alex Eadie, 74, from It also includes Weigh to Go, a hopefully reach a wider audience.” circuits, at their own pace, to suit King’s Park, agrees: “It 10-week adult weight manage- Maria Reid, NHS Lanarkshire’s their own level of ability.” keeps you young! I ment and exercise programme, assistant health promotion manager, Coping well with the bicep had a triple heart by- and support of the national De- says: “NHS Lanarkshire is delighted curls, jumping jacks and torso pass operation several tecting Cancer Early campaign. with the range of integrated twists is June Steven, 65, from years ago and, after The year-long campaign is health, wellbeing and physical Burnside. the hospital rehabilita- currently focusing on activity programmes that are being “I was petrified about retiring, I tion programme, I was detecting the early signs of delivered in partnership with had no idea how I would feel and referred here to keep breast cancer, before SLLC. what I would do with my time,” my fitness levels up. turning its attention “Some are well-established and admits June, who was a clerical “It works to bowel and then have grown and changed in re- officer in social work. wonders.” lung cancers later sponse to the needs of participants. “Coming here has helped with Laurie Kayser, in 2013. “Newer programmes, such as my confidence and it has inspired 74, from Burn- Lauren Weigh To Go, have been designed me to take up other forms of side, is also Logan to support people to manage and exercise, like badminton and recovering explains: maintain a healthy weight in a zumba. It has been amazing. I after heart “The community setting by changing even kept my promise to learn to surgery. message their diet, physical activity and swim when I turned 65 and I love “I needed a behind lifestyle in general.” that, too.” bypass op in Detecting She adds: “The range of pro- She adds: “It’s such a friendly 1997 because of Cancer grammes on offer can support environment – everyone makes my heart Early is people who are living with you feel welcome from the problems, and it ‘don’t conditions, such as heart disease, moment you arrive.” took a lot out of get stroke and lung disease, and SLLC Nancy Newton, 70, from me,” he explains. scared, staff are supporting programmes Burnside, is recovering after “But it was get outwith leisure centres that include surgery to replace a broken hip. great to get back checked’, and that walking, gardening and cycling. “This is perfect for me – it’s a into exercise. I lumps and bumps are “There really is something for great class, and nothing like a notice a huge not the only signs, so everyone. gym, which can be quite difference. we were keen to “NHS Lanarkshire values this unfriendly,” she explains. “If I don’t come make it more than partnership as it helps us encour- Marjory Burnett, who is in her for a few weeks simply putting age and support better health for 60s, agrees: “I don’t like the idea of because I’m on posters up on toilet the people of South Lanarkshire.” going into a gym, sticking on the holiday, I start to doors. For more information on headphones and ignoring every- notice the joints “Our fitness Active Health classes visit one around you. This is much seizing up. Coming instructors have a www.slleisureandculture.co.uk the reporter 23 Wild about meadows

THE COUNCIL IS ACTIVELY ENCOURAGING BIODIVERSITY BY ALLOWING GRASSED AREAS TO GO TO SEED AND BECOME WILDFLOWER HAVENS FOR ALL MANNER OF BUGS, BUTTERFLIES AND BEES, AS CATHIE RUSSELL REPORTS

24 the reporter WILDFLOWER meadows teeming with nance teams to stop cutting the grass through real wow factor as far as wildlife is concerned, butterflies, hoverflies, bees and insects that the season. even if they are not particularly colourful. provide rich habitats for birds and other “But, at the final cut in the But winning hearts and minds tends to be a wildlife are becoming well established across autumn, they had to do a cut then lot easier when areas become very colourful South Lanarkshire. leave the grass two or three days and attractive. At Castlebank Park in Lanark, From Cambuslang to Forth, communities for the wildfower and grass for example, there’s a lovely mix of plants and, have been joining forces with countryside seeds to cast. on the central reservation on Bothwell Road, rangers and grounds staff to identify grassed “Then all the cuttings have to be poppies and cornflowers provided a areas that could be managed in a different way collected to avoid too many nutri- stunning vista for passing motorists. to encourage biodiversity. ents getting into the soil. We have One of Gerry’s favourites is Cam- And the difference can be “phenomenal” also rotavated some of the ground buslang Park, where the “short back explains community liaison and environmental to give seeds a better chance. and sides” grass gives way to a myriad of education officer Gerry Devaney. “So, although these approaches cut grasses that were “absolutely alive last “In open spaces across the area, the down on some types of maintenance, you do summer”. housemartins and swallows that thrive on need to invest in these schemes and manage And the play area at Greer Place in Larkhall insects, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, flycatchers them carefully. attracted very positive feedback from the local and wagtails are all sitting waiting on the “We’re really pleased this approach is being community. restaurants opening and that’s what these new used across South Lanarkshire as we’re really “There are now pilots in every area of South wildflower grasslands provide,” said Gerry. seeing the benefits. Lanarkshire,” explains Gerry. “Some have been “In the past, a lot of public space has “What is now the nature trail used to be a bit more successful than others. simply been left with short grass, but this does of a no-go area and now it’s very wild and “But we are evaluating them all carefully as little to encourage wildlife and this is a big pleasant country walk. we want to learn from each experience and issue for us all globally, as bees and other “The orchids just exploded in carpets this work closely with local communities. pollinators play such an important role in the year and we’ve planted 150,000 bulbs so that, “Getting back into these natural habitats is food chain.” in springtime, it’s ablaze with daffodils, crocus so good for us all. Every- Working with groups in Bothwell, Stone- and primrose.” one involved in these house, Forth, Cambuslang, Biggar and other Dennis said that, initially, they did get some projects from the grounds areas, grounds maintenance staff and the resistance and some residents were unhappy maintenance teams to the countryside rangers have identified a that the grass wasn’t getting cut. volunteers has got a real number of areas as wildflower grasslands. “But there are no complaints now, on the kick out of connecting Brighter Bothwell’s project was a contrary, people appreciate how lovely it is,” he with the natural life in the forerunner for this kind of approach. added. We’ve been undertaking habitat sur- area.” Chairperson Dennis Walker veys and we’ve so much wildlife here explains: “We wanted to create a now. We also have a few ponds lovely nature trail through Bothwell and along the way where toads and our volunteers cast a 5000 square metre newts are becoming es- area with Scotia seeds containing native tablished.” Scottish wildflowers. Wildflower “We encouraged the grounds mainte- areas can have a

the reporter 25 Giving our children the write start ... WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW LITERACY STRATEGY ACROSS NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS IN SOUTH LANARKSHIRE, AS CATHIE RUSSELL HAS BEEN FINDING OUT

26 the reporter Making child’s play of learning the curriculum

By Carolyne Mitchell

CHILDREN in council and partner- ship nurseries follow the same Curriculum for Excellence that our schools use. This not only gets them learning early but also to helps ease them into the school environment when A MAJOR drive is underway in teachers across the board to if children see themselves as they start in P1. schools and nurseries in South share practice in teaching literacy competent writers, even if they are The pre-school strand of the Lanarkshire to implement the skills. just at the scribbling stage. literacy strategy will also help them council’s new Literacy Strategy. One of the council’s literacy If children believe they are understand how writing fits into Although most children across pilot projects in Clydesdale has writing readable words and have everyday life, as well as encourage the area develop good standards already developed additional things they want to write about, it a love for reading. in reading, writing, speaking and training for newly qualified primary boosts their confidence and “In nurseries, there have always listening, the Scottish Govern- one and two teachers, and those motivation to develop writing skills. been labels on everyday items but, ment estimates that one in five taking on a younger class who Senior Educational Psychologist now, if you look around you’ll see children in Scotland (18.5 per have been teaching older children. Jean Campbell explains: “We that the labels have been written cent) enter secondary school This covers classroom practice, know that boys are much more by the children,” explains Vivienne without the skills they need to assessment, models of reading likely to enjoy reading if they see Colquhoun, one of the council’s tackle the curriculum effectively. development, reading resources dads and grandads read the Early Years Development and Janey Mauchline, who chairs and different approaches. newspapers or books. Support Teachers. the council’s Literacy Strategy Staff also learn how to carry out “Even if they are not reading “Nursery staff will look for Implementation group explains: phonological assessments that with them, children tend to model opportunities during the day to “The launch of our literacy check children’s ability to work their behavior on the adults in introduce the idea of words and strategy last October was a great confidently with the sounds that their lives. writing, so that children will make success. make up words. “We often find that parents who the connection with the bigger “And I’ve found everyone These are followed up with have struggled at school them- world. involved in education is very keen reading tests in March to identify selves can become very tense “For instance, their snacks will to capture all the excellent any children who need a little around issues like homework. have their names on them or, if practice out there to make sure all extra support at this early stage, “They’re desperate for their kids they were playing at shops, they’d our young people improve their which can pay dividends in the to do well but it’s important to levels of literacy and attainment in longer term. keep things enjoyable and positive. be encouraged to ‘write’ a shop- language.” The tests take just a few “When children make mistakes ping list. The strategy was written by a minutes to complete and there are pronouncing words or with “We aren’t teaching them how to multi-agency group co-chaired by a range of techniques included in spelling, it’s important just to write and spell, more encouraging Janey and Principal Psychologist the training that teachers can use repeat things the right way – them to hold a pencil or a pen and Elizabeth King, and involved with children who need extra rather than telling them they are make a mark on the page. consultation with parents and key support. wrong, as this can be discouraging. “At this nursery, the children professionals. A booklet entitled ‘Getting Janey Mauchline agrees that have shown an interest in other Research shows that children Ready to Read’, which highlights building up a child’s confidence languages so, not only are they from low-income backgrounds are how families and carers can help with language is important. encouraged to write words in particularly at risk of falling behind children prepare to read in fun “I know from personal experience English, they’ve been trying French when it comes to literacy. ways, has been prepared by that people who don’t develop a and Spanish, too.” By promoting literacy through- Education Resources good level of literacy face barriers out the early years, and identifying psychological services to be throughout their life. children who might have distributed throughout all the “My young brother had literacy difficulties at a very early stage, nursery schools. problems and has had to cope the council aims to achieve better Parents and carers can with people’s lack of understanding results all round. encourage children a great deal and impatience his entire life. The implementation group is by reading to them from a young “When he got up and spoke at putting a range of measures in age, helping them notice the the launch of our literacy place, from promoting early sounds in spoken words, letting conference, it was one of the literacy skills and early support them see that reading and writing proudest moments of my life.” with very young children, a are important and helping them The Literacy Strategy is member of staff acting as literacy use more words, and understand available on the council’s co-ordinator in each establishment what they mean. website at www.southlanark and providing opportunities for And it makes a huge difference shire.gov.uk the reporter 27 Reshaping care for the elderly... Enabling older people to stay at home safely

Community staff nurse Jacqueline Fox visits patient Eileen Taylor

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

SOUTH Lanarkshire Council provides a range of housing and support options to help the elderly maintain their independ- ence as they get older. Help to stay at home Many older people would prefer to stay in their own home rather than move into other accommodation. There are a RESHAPING Care for Older rehabilitation and assistance and “Ihavehadtogointohospitala number of services that can People is all about increasing the this can now be carried out within few times but, the minute I came provide practical help to allow independence of older people and their own homes. home, they would come to see me them to continue with providingmorecareathomeorin “East Kilbride has an aging pop- – I didn’t even need to call them to independent every-day living. a community setting. ulation and many of their families do let them know I was home.” Equipment and adaptations By bringing together all the key not live close by. There is also the Eileen also receives a home care If you are having problems service providers – health, local challenge of those living alone in package and says she couldn’t getting around your home, for authorities and the independent third or fourth floor flats, who manage without it. example, climbing stairs or and third sectors – one of the key cannot get out due to struggling “They come in four times a day getting in and out of the bath, aims of the programme is to with the stairs and no lifts. to help me get washed and your home may be able to be prevent unnecessary, lengthy stays “The team helps patients to get dressed, get in and out of bed and adapted to make it easier for in hospital. back on their feet and become as help me with all my meals,” said you. A new pilot is now helping independent as possible”. Eileen. “I couldn’t cope at home If you are a council or housing older people avoid being admitted When Eileen Taylor, of East without them – they are exception- association tenant, your landlord to hospital and, if they are admit- Kilbride, was admitted to hospital ally good and I am really getting to will do the work for you and, if ted, is enabling them to return with renal failure, she required a know them well.” you are a home owner or home as quickly as possible. The lot of help to enable her to return Eileen is full of praise for the private tenant, you can apply Integrated Community Support home. team who have helped her live at for a grant of between 80 per Team (ICST) cares for people from Since being discharged from home. cent and 100 per cent of the East Kilbride and Strathaven, over hospital, she has had the help of “There’s nothing I can fault. All cost of the work, depending on the age of 65, in their own home to district nurses and physiothera- of the nurses are great. You can your income. ensure their health and social care pists who work for ICST, and can even call up during the night and For more information please needs are met. contact at any time via one central they will come straight to you,” visit the council’s website. The multi-agency team includes telephone number. she added. Community alarm service district nurses, physiotherapy, Eileen said: “They first started “Sometimes, I need to call them If you live alone and/or are at occupational therapy staff, social visiting me when I was discharged at night and it’s never been a risk from falls or sudden attacks workers and home carers. from hospital. problem to them. You just call one of illness, you might want to They also are forging very “To enable me to return home, I number and they come to see you, think about getting a community strong links with their colleagues needed injections on a weekly it’s very easy.” alarm to alert staff when you in the hospital, mental health and basis and I also needed dressings The team aims to maximise are in difficulty. There is a small other specialist teams. to be changed. Eileen’s quality of life in her own weekly charge for the community Older people and their families “I have an ulcer on my heel, home. alarm service. can be put in touch with other sup- which is taking a while to heal due Jacqueline Fox, Community Telecare equipment ports in the wider community, to a problem with the blood Staff Nurse, said: “Working with There is also a range of such as lunch clubs and activities, supply to that area. the ICST team, you really form a equipment that can be linked to as well as the newly appointed “Because of my renal problems, bond with your patients. You get a community alarm, for example, Carers Resource and Locality I also have dressings on my back to know them and their families to help people with dementia, Voluntary officers. that need changed and I have a and they get to know you.” known as Telecare equipment. Morag Dixon, ICST project pressure sore. The ICST team is based at manager, said: “No one wants to “I get a visit from the nurses Hunter Health Centre, Greenhills You can also get information be in hospital, especially if they no three times a week to do all of this. Health Centre and Strathaven on all aspects of the council’s longer need acute care. I use a wheelchair, so the team also providing care for those elderly care services by visiting “ICST helps those who are med- gave me physiotherapy to try to registered at GP practices in www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk ically well but still require some help strengthen my legs. these health centres. 28 the reporter More amenity housing for elderly GOOD progress is being made in safely in their home. James and can help people to stay in their own South Lanarkshire with the Change Beatrice Rennie, right, moved into an homes for as long as possible. Fund programme to increase the amenity house in East Kilbride and Beatrice said: “We hadn’t supply of amenity housing. are delighted with its facilities. actually realised this sort of Amenity housing offers the same James said: “Having a wet room housing existed but we are internal features as sheltered for the shower is particularly helpful. so glad we were told housing – except there is no warden “We had an adapted shower about it. We had applied or common area – and is specifically before, which was good, but the wet for sheltered housing but designed to be suitable for the room is ideal for anyone with mobility the lady from the council changing needs of people as they difficulties.” asked if we had thought grow older. Alex McInnes, Chair of Housing about amenity housing, Features such as handrails in and Technical Resources, said: “A which was great, as it suits bathrooms, non-slip flooring, raised major challenge across Scotland, us perfectly.” electrical sockets and lower lighting and in South Lanarkshire, in particu- Anyone wishing to apply for switches may seem like small lar, is making sure that we can meet amenity housing can contact their additions, but they can make a big the increasing needs for suitably de- local housing office or call into one of difference in helping people to live signed housing for older people and the Q & A offices for more details. HELPING Working with the HANDS FOR OLDER voluntary sector RESIDENTS THE Council’s Home Care Service operates seven days a FIONA Dryburgh is the latest week and can help people to locality development officer to join remain independent by providing Voluntary Action South support with daily living tasks Lanarkshire. such as washing, dressing, Fiona, right, took on the role for preparing meals and shopping. the Hamilton area after working as There can be charges for aclustermanagerfortheWRVSin some home care services but these are explained before Clydesdale. agreeing to the service. In this role, she developed the Moving home community transport and good If you’re having difficulty neighbour service, as well as managing in your home and it is establishing computer classes, not possible to adapt it, you camera classes and various other may have to consider moving activities. to alternative accommodation. After leaving to become a stay-at If you decide that moving -home-mum for 14 years, Fiona home is the best choice for was able to spend many years you, then you need to decide volunteering full-time with the whether you wish to rent or buy Church of Scotland and the a property. Salvation Army. Housing for rent This experience gave her an If you want to apply for a understanding and appreciation of Council or housing association how rewarding and important the home to rent, you can use our role of a volunteer is. Homefinder service to find “It was through my role as a something suitable. Homes are volunteer that I found loneliness is also available to rent from pri- abigissueforolderpeopleand vate landlords or letting agents. can have a major impact on their Sheltered housing health,” said Fiona. Sheltered housing is for older “It doesn’t matter where you people who would like to live, if you don’t get visitors and continue to live independently are not aware of what is out there, but would benefit from additional you can feel isolated. support. “Helping to solve this issue It is usually a group of flats or pushed me to apply for this role. bungalows specially designed “My role is about working with and there are volunteering roles become involved with local for older people. You normally the wonderful community groups out there to suit everyone.” volunteer car schemes. need to be over 60 years old to that are already in place, encourag- Since Fiona has been in post, she “Many people consider qualify for Sheltered Housing. Very sheltered housing ing partnership working and has noticed a positive attitude volunteering when they retire but I Very sheltered housing is helping develop further services among community groups, who would also highly recommend designed to meet the needs of that will help older people stay are keen to work together to volunteering to younger people. frail, older people who need active for longer, which is at the arrange activities on different days “There is no substitute for recent additional support to live heart of the Reshaping Care for of the week. work experience and the wealth of “Although there are lots of skills that can be gained may well independently and could in- Older People Programme. clude a midday meal, support “Having experienced just how groups out there, there are not prove beneficial at a later date.” many activities at night time,” Fiona lives with her husband with personal care, for example fulfilling volunteering can be, as bathing, or help with practical well as how vital a volunteer’s added Fiona. and her three daughters in East “This is partly due to the lack of and domestic tasks. input can be for older people, I Kilbride. community transport, which the You can also get info on very would encourage communities to sheltered housing and other Locality Officers Team aim to Fiona can be contacted on get involved. aspects of elderly care by visiting develop. The team is organising a 01698 300390 or Fiona. “I feel that, as part of a commu- www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk nity, everyone has a role to play DVD that will encourage people to [email protected] the reporter 29 SOUTH Lanarkshire’s sprawling geography, community. People may not be aware of the gradual encompassing heavily urbanised areas, as well as changes taking place in the environment but scattered rural communities, makes it one of the everyone is potentially affected by them, as more largest and most diverse areas of Scotland. and more low-carbon policies feature in areas, such With a population of more than 300,000, South as energy, transport, housing, waste management Lanarkshire covers 180,000 hectares, stretching from and planning,” he said. just a few miles from the city centre of Glasgow to “It is right that the council plays its part in this almost as far down as the Scottish border, with transition, helps South Lanarkshire cope with the almost 80 per cent of land classified as rural. challenges involved and also enables people to This poses unique challenges for the council in benefit from the changes where possible.” terms of managing its resources, not least its massive Meanwhile, over the last year, South Lanarkshire fleet of essential vehicles, which includes everything Community Planning Partnership has taken part in from bin lorries to cherry pickers, diggers, large and the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle small vans, road rollers and cars. Procurement Scheme. The council also operates 66 buses daily to Thanks to grant funding from the scheme, the support special needs pupils during term time, as council added 12 battery powered electric Peugeot well as providing day care transport for the elderly iOn cars to its fleet, plus two electric street sweepers and vulnerable, and delivering meals to schools and and an electric Renault Kangoo van. other facilities. The cars alone have clocked up 53,564 miles and Maximising the efficiency of such a massive fleet saved the council more than seven tonnes of carbon is obviously a huge logistical challenge and, to help emissions. improve performance, the council has installed a Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is using a Peugeot iOn new telematics routing and tracking system in many at its new community fire station and national of its vehicles. training HQ in Cambuslang, while NHS Lanarkshire The system was rolled out to council vehicles is using two electric vans to provide services to local weighing more than 3.5 tonnes following a hospitals. successful pilot scheme and will help improve The Plugged-in Places scheme is part of a UK- service efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and costs, wide project that aims to develop charging points as well as improving customer service. In total, 277 throughout the country to encourage more people to Using hi-tech to drive up vehicle efficiency NEW SYSTEM IS HELPING COUNCIL TO BOOST PERFORMANCE OF MASSIVE FLEET OF VEHICLES, REPORTS MHAIRI ANDERSON large vehicles, such as refuse collection, roads use electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The council maintenance, including gritting lorries, road/ received £325,000 from the Scottish Government, footpath sweepers and buses have now had Transport Scotland and Strathclyde Partnership telematics installed. towards the implementation of this scheme in South More than 150 of the council’s light vehicles are Lanarkshire. also currently being fitted with the telematics Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown visited system. South Lanarkshire Council to see for himself how it According to Council Leader Eddie McAvoy, the and its community planning partners are helping authority is already reaping the benefits of having bring about lower carbon transport for the future. introduced the telematics system. “Plugged-in Places has been a great success and I “The information delivered by the system is pro- am delighted to see how well South Lanarkshire viding us with details allowing us to challenge and Council has put to use its funding from the scheme,” make informed decisions about how best to utilise said the Minister. and route our vehicles,” said Councillor McAvoy. Council Leader Eddie McAvoy added he was “It also allows us to look at our driver behaviour delighted the authority was at the forefront of the such as idling, harsh acceleration and braking. project and pointed out that its charging network “And this increased awareness of vehicle and was the largest and most extensive of its kind in driver activity has enhanced the council’s ability to Scotland. accurately record CO² emissions data and fuel The Council has installed a comprehensive electric consumption, helping us to cut down on both.” vehicle charging network throughout the area. The Council Leader added that the authority is To date, 44 electric vehicle charging bays have constantly striving to ensure that it provides a been put in place and this is shortly set to increase sustainable environment for a sustainable to 74 bays. 30 the reporter The council has installed a new telematics routing and tracking system in many of its vehicles to help maximise efficiency of its massive fleet the reporter 31 AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME HAS SEEN SPORT AND LEISURE FACILITIES UPGRADED AS SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL.. Invests in health&fitness BY MHAIRI ANDERSON

CENTRAL to the council’s commitment to Cumming Stadium in Carluke, which replaced making South Lanarkshire a great place to live, the old Loch Park Stadium and The Fountain in work and play is its stable of more than 30 Lesmahagow, opened in 2011. community leisure facilities. This has been followed by the £1.7million That’s why it has invested heavily in the Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Community Wing, provision of brand new or upgraded sports, which opened its doors earlier than anticipated leisure and community facilities throughout the in October 2012. area in recent years. The modern, multi-use centre replaces not The past 12 months, for example, have seen only the Blackwood Hall but also the old the council embark on an ambitious £775,000 Leisuredome, which had served the community outdoor recreation programme, including the well for more than 20 years. upgrading of the pavilions at Kirktonholme The new centre, which cost £120,000 to fit and Ballerup Recreation Areas in East Kilbride out, now includes a fitness suite with the latest and at Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds. gym equipment, new community hall with A pitch upgrade programme to replace kitchen and bar facilities providing a multi- pitches that are beyond their economic life and purpose space for a wide range of community allow them to be developed to accommodate a groups and social functions, as well as a small range of sports for all tastes has also been meeting room. undertaken. The centre is also home to a new library, an A new 3G sports pitch for Hamilton Palace exciting new Digi Table, Active IT centre, Sports Ground kicked off the programme in offering free internet access, and a new expert 2012. This £250,000 project was also helped by a bar where IT questions can be answered. grant of £100,000 from sportscotland’s Sports Meanwhile, the £5.35million restoration and Facilities Fund. extension of the Grade B listed Lanark Memorial Replacing the full-size sand dressed pitch, Hall is progressing well and the completely the new 3G pitch is suitable for both full contact refurbished facility is expected to open in 2013. rugby training and football. It has been designed as a multi-purpose facility Also opening last year were the new that can accommodate a wide variety of synthetic pitches at South Lanarkshire community activities and events, as well as Lifestyles – Eastfield and East Kilbride’s providing easy access to all areas for disabled Ballerup Recreation Area. people and raccommodation for the Cargill A £125,000 upgrade replaced the aging, Club. sand-dressed courts and pitches, making them A number of works have already been suitable for both tennis and football for many completed to the existing building, including years to come, while five-a-side pitches and external stonework, roof repairs, window perimeter fence at East Kilbride’s Ballerup replacement and new ceiling. Rot works have Recreation Area were upgraded to the tune of also been completed with electrical, heating £180,000. It can now be used for 7-a-side foot- and ventilation works well underway. ball and general training purposes. A partnership involving the council, SL Councillor Hamish Stewart, Chair of the Leisure and Culture Trust, Lanark Museums Board of South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture – Trust and local schools is developing a timeline which manages all sports and culture on behalf and electronic kiosk to enable local people to of the council – said both individuals and research their local heritage. teams would benefit from having top-quality Ashgill’s existing pavilion was demolished sporting facilities on their doorstep. and replaced by a new £90,000 modular “These improvements encourage changing pavilion, which included changing participation in sport, as well as helping to area and dedicated referee’s area. nurture and develop the talents of our young Opened in 1995, Hamilton’s Water Palace people,” he added. has been providing fitness and fun for almost “These are exciting developments for the 20 years and has just undergone a £450,000 whole of the council area and demonstrate the refurbishment. commitment of the council to improve the As well as structural repairs, the pool changing facilities and opportunities for sports for all in village was upgraded and features disabled South Lanarkshire.” The £3.5million John facilities, family changing booths and school 32 the reporter class changing areas, repairs to the floating floor and a new sauna cabin and the health suite area has also been updated. Also benefiting from an upgrading project costing £157,000 was Blantyre Leisure Centre’s gym, bringing the total investment in the centre to £322K since December 2011. It involved refurbishing the teaching pool and lighting at the main pool. And the John Wright Sports Centre in East Kilbride was given a £174K upgrade, which saw improvements to the roof, windows and two dryside changing areas. The Grade B listed Cambuslang Institute, home to a variety of sporting, cultural and meeting facilities, dates back to 1898 and is currently undergoing a £766k renovation. Work began in September 2012 and is due to be completed by spring this year. The council has worked closely with Historic Scotland to ensure that work to the historic building is carried out sensitively. Funding for the project was boosted by a £56,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which helped fund building repair works, as well as the research, interpretation and display of the “scavenging” maps of the County of Lanarkshire from 1800 to pre 1974. This Lottery grant also helped to research significant historic events, such as the “Cambuslang Wark” gatherings of 1742. The renovation project has rejuvenated a much-loved building, bringing it back to the heart of the community for everyone to use and enjoy. It also demonstrates how a historical build- ing, while providing an important link to a community’s past, can also be adapted for the needs of today. Built at a cost of £140,000, and complementing the recently completed Fernhill Community Centre, the new Fernhill toddler and junior play area opened in December. The play area, built by the council’s Ground Services, offers a range of equipment with extensive play experiences for children from two to 14, and has artificial safety surfacing. The play facility is complemented by soft landscaping, tree planting and a new boundary fence with self-closing gates providing a safer environment for children to play. And, three of our public parks in South Lanarkshire are scheduled for a revamp. Repairs and improvements costing around £100,000 are taking place at Strathaven Park to improve both the infrastructure and enhance the features of the facility. The work includes repairs and painting of the metal perimeter fencing, the metal internal fencing, and entrance gates, installation of new benches and bins and repairs to the Powmillon burn wall. Overtoun Park in Rutherglen, will also see repairs and replacements costing around £100,000. The work will consist of repairs and painting of the metal perimeter fencing and the entrance gates, as well as selective removal of shrub beds with areas being soiled and seeded. New play equipment will be installed as will new benches and bins. Hamilton’s Bothwell Road Park is in line for £130,000 worth of repair and refurbishment. This will include the removal of the existing red blaes roads with the areas being soiled and seeded afterwards. Selected tar paths areas will also be removed and thereafter soiled and seeded. New play equipment will be installed, as will new benches and bins, with drainage works taking place at various locations in the park. The council’s ambitious spending programme supports the development of its communities through the provision of quality, sports and leisure facilities. It recognises that access to this type of facility is key to helping people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. the reporter 33 THE yellow hats of Auchinraith Primary’s young mediators are like little blobs of sunshine bobbing around the Blantyre school’s busy playground on a gloomy winter day. Working in twos, the band of primary six pupils is on hand each break time, ready to help solve problems before they escalate. “You don’t go up to problems, you let problems come to you,” explains nine-year-old Rachel Steven. “Our job is really to make everybody feel safe in our play- ground.” Her fellow mediators, Liam Balkwill and Nathan Smith, who are both 10, agree. “Doing mediation training is a challenge but I like a challenge,” says Liam. “I like the good feeling you get when you manage to sort out an argument.” Nathan adds: “People listen to us, because we are mediators, and that’s great.” Auchinraith’s head teacher Julie McCulloch introduced mediation training two years ago. “Children take on lots of leader- ship roles in the school – junior road safety officers, eco committee members, pupil council and so on – and we wanted to find a way of bringing those skills into the play- ground,” she explains. “At school, it’s always the little things that cause the most hassle – the daft wee arguments that suddenly become much bigger, and we wanted to get away from the whole notion that the way to solve an argument is to start a fight.” She adds: “The mediation training programme, where the children actually leave the classroom to participate in workshops and receive a certificate at the end of it, has been very successful, not just for the school, but for the pupils themselves.” “Our mediators are role models, held in high regard by their peers, who trust them and talk to them perhaps a little more than they would a teacher.” While many other schools have introduced mentoring programmes A PIONEERING PILOT PROJECT AIMED and smaller-scale mediation AT REDUCING PLAYGROUND schemes, Auchinraith Primary believes it is the first to offer CONFLICTS HAS HELPED TO certified training. TRANSFORM A BLANTYRE SCHOOL. It has been so successful that it has now been extended to include AND, IN A SOUTH LANARKSHIRE FIRST, parents and the wider community. THE GROUND BREAKING YOUNG Rob Milligan, Auchinraith’s home school partnership worker, MEDIATORS SCHEME AT AUCHINRAITH explains: “We ran a pilot group for PRIMARY IS INSPIRING OTHER parents in the local community centre and it had the best atten- SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS. dance of all our projects so far. ANNIE STUART REPORTS “The work being done here has already had a huge impact on families and we want to build on that and roll it out to the community. It has the potential to inspire

34 the reporter Youngsters are undergoing mediation training at Auchinraith Primary in Blantyre to help stop issues escalating among pupils PEER MEDIATORS ON HAND TO SOLVE PLAYGROUND DISPUTES other schools to take part, too, thinking head teacher in Mrs we have started mediation training, caring confident and helpful – and Auchinraith Primary is a great role McCulloch, as the skills the we are already noticing a shift in all of those are embodied by our model for the rest of South children learn are ones they can attitudes and a growing awareness young mediators.” Lanarkshire and beyond.” take with them throughout the of rights and responsibilities.” Ten-year-old Amanda White and Marc Conroy, active schools rest of their lives.” Back in the playground, a Nicole Kane, 11, sum up what the co-ordinator for the Calderside Patricia agrees. “We were couple of pupils are pointing out mediation training means to them. learning community, agrees. absolutely blown away by the a big yellow circle on the school “It gives you a really nice feeling “I’ve been really impressed with enthusiasm and insight shown by wall. in your stomach when you help how confident the young mediators Auchinraith pupils and we were “That’s the mediation stop, someone,” says Amanda. are, and the teamwork and delighted by the feedback we where pupils can go if they need Nicole added: “I was quite shy communication skills they have received from parents.” us to help them,” says Colin before I became a developed as a result of the In fact, the initial response to the Brannan, 10. mediator. But training are fantastic,” he says. programme was overwhelmingly “We always work in twos, so we people listen “A large part of the work we do positive. each take a person to one side to me and I in Active Schools centres around One parent described it as and talk things through with them, can help volunteering and the development “invaluable for developing skills and then we bring them back them, so of young leaders as they move up which are of benefit now and in together. I’m not to high school. later life”, while another stated: “It can be about anything shy any “It’s great to see the way “The children have taken on a and usually if they just talk more.” Auchinraith is already doing that – great responsibility and are about it, it’s fine.” it will really stand the pupils in thriving on it.” Mrs McCulloch explains: “We good stead.” Many more comment on how never put children in a heated or Patricia Neilsen and Alison their children have become more uncomfortable situation, and there Ebbit, of Neilson Consultants, confident as a result of being is adult support in the provide the mediation training. involved. playground if needed. “Mediation is widely acknowl- “Mediation training has created “Our school has six core values, edged as a successful and confident children who are able to which we came up with in peaceful way of helping people keep things in perspective, and consultation with parents resolve problems in a variety of deal with their emotions ,” says when I first came here four settings, but it’s fairly unusual in Julie McCulloch. years ago. schools,” explains Alison. “Our school faces a number of “They are respectful, “Auchinraith has a forward- challenges but, in the time since honest, responsible,

the reporter 35 South Lanarkshire’s Councillors

1 Clydesdale Ward 1 Ward 1 Ward 1 Ward 1 West Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Lynsey Pat Lee Eileen Logan David Hamilton Scottish National Scottish Labour Shearer Scottish Labour Party Party Scottish National Party Party

2 Clydesdale Ward 2 Ward 2 Ward 2 North Councillor Councillor Councillor Ed Archer Catherine Vivienne Independent McClymont Shaw Scottish Labour Scottish National Party Party

3 Clydesdale Ward 3 Ward 3 Ward 3 East Councillor Councillor Councillor Ralph Barker Bev Gauld Hamish Scottish Labour Scottish National Stewart Party Party Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

4 Clydesdale Ward 4 Ward 4 Ward 4 South Councillor Councillor Councillor George Archie Alex McInnes Greenshields Manson Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Scottish National Party Party Party

5 Avondale Ward 5 Ward 5 Ward 5 Ward 5 and Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Graeme Margaret Isobel Bill Holman Stonehouse Campbell Cooper Dorman Scottish National Independent Scottish Labour Scottish National Party Party Party

6 East Kilbride Ward 6 Ward 6 Ward 6 South Councillor Councillor Councillor Archie Jim Docherty Douglas Buchanan Scottish Labour Edwards Scottish National Party Scottish National Party Party

7 East Kilbride Ward 7 Ward 7 Ward 7 Central Councillor Councillor Councillor John Gerry Susan Kerr South Anderson Convery Scottish Labour Scottish National Scottish Labour Party Party Party

8 East Kilbride Ward 8 Ward 8 Ward 8 Ward 8 Central Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Anne Maggs Alice Marie Chris Sheena North Scottish National Mitchell Thompson Wardhaugh Party Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Scottish National Party Party Party

9 East Kilbride Ward 9 Ward 9 Ward 9 West Councillor Councillor Councillor Janice Graham David Watson McGinlay Simpson Scottish National Scottish Labour Scottish Party Party Conservative and Unionist Party

10 East Kilbride Ward 10 Ward 10 Ward 10 East Councillor Councillor Councillor John Cairney Gladys Miller Jim Scottish Labour Scottish National Wardhaugh Party Party Scottish National Party

36 the reporter To check which ward you live in, use the Locate it service on the council’s website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Surgery and contact information is also on the website. If you prefer, call Members’ Services on 01698 454366 or email [email protected]

11 Rutherglen Ward 11 Ward 11 Ward 11 Councillor Councillor Councillor South Robert Brown Gerard Killen Brian Scottish Liberal Scottish Labour McKenna Democrats Party Scottish Labour Party

12 Rutherglen Ward 12 Ward 12 Ward 12 Councillor Councillor Councillor Central Gordon Clark Edward Denis and North Scottish National McAvoy McKenna Party Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Party Party

13 Cambuslang Ward 13 Ward 13 Ward 13 Councillor Councillor Councillor West Russell Clare McColl Richard Clearie Scottish National Tullett Scottish Labour Party Scottish Labour Party Party

14 Cambuslang Ward 14 Ward 14 Ward 14 Councillor Councillor Councillor East Walter Pam Clearie Christine Brogan Scottish Labour Deanie Scottish Labour Party Scottish National Party Party

15 Blantyre Ward 15 Ward 15 Ward 15 Ward 15 Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Hugh Jim John Bert Dunsmuir Handibode McNamee Thomson Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Scottish National Party Party Party Party

16 Bothwell Ward 16 Ward 16 Ward 16 Councillor Councillor Councillor and Maureen Anne Kegg Jim Uddingston Devlin Scottish McGuigan Scottish Labour Conservative and Scottish National Party Unionist Party Party

17 Hamilton Ward 17 Ward 17 Ward 17 Councillor Councillor Councillor North and Lynn Adams Monica Davie East Scottish National Lennon McLachlan Party Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Party Party

18 Hamilton Ward 18 Ward 18 Ward 18 Ward 18 Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor West and Allan Graeme Jean John Menzies Earnock Falconer Horne McKeown Scottish National Scottish Labour Scottish National Scottish Labour Party Party Party Party

19 Hamilton Ward 19 Ward 19 Ward 19 Ward 19 Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor South Angela Bobby Joe Lowe Brian McCaig Crawley Lawson Scottish Labour Scottish Labour Scottish National Scottish National Party Party Party Party

20 Larkhall Ward 20 Ward 20 Ward 20 Ward 20 Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Jackie Burns Andy Peter Craig Lesley Scottish Labour Carmichael Scottish National McDonald Party Scottish Labour Party Scottish National Party Party

the reporter 37 38 the reporter It has weathered religious and political storms, survived bloody battles, and has been rebuilt twice. Now, as Bothwell Parish Church faces up to another enormous challenge – finding £2million to rebuild its crumbling quire, its minister hopes history will repeat itself and its congregation, near and far, will save the day. Annie Stuart reports Vicar’s mission to save historic kirk

HE Reverend Jim Gibson is a teams from South Lanarkshire Council have are slipping and the foundations have moved walking, talking history book as made a video about the restoration, which is on their bed of clay – in some places, as much he strolls around the historic now available on YouTube, in the hope it will as 11 inches.” church that has been his second raise awareness – and funds – among congrega- He pauses. “We had to act quickly. Either we home for almost a quarter of a tion members, both in Scotland and around the could let this part of the church fall into ruin, or century. world. we could try to save it,” he adds. THe can tell you all about Bothwell Parish “We are extremely grateful for the council’s “And we felt very strongly that because of Church, from its distant origins as a shrine set support,” says Rev Gibson. “The video is excel- what Bothwell Parish Church has meant to up by St Kentigern in the sixth century, through lent and they have been wonderful, offering us Scottish history, we had to do something.” the turbulent times of the Reformation, to more help to market the appeal and raise awareness The quire is now covered in scaffolding and recent events involving Royal connections and of the task we face here. ‘men at work’ signs as the architects and links with local schools. “We are also very thankful for the support engineers, who arrived “like the cavalry” In his engaging, friendly way, he points out from the kirk session and our congregation, earlier this year, get to work. The plan is to dig the artefacts and objects that help to tell the and, of course, to the Heritage Lottery Fund.” new foundations and create a steel structure story of Scotland’s oldest collegiate church still He adds: “The council has been very good to within the roof to take the weight of the tiles. in use. us over the years, because they understand the “The gravestone in the wall is thought to be importance of Bothwell Parish Church and its EWS of the appeal has spread, of an English knight, one of the many who place in Scottish history. and it has attracted three very camped here in the time of Edward II as the It is the country’s oldest collegiate church – high-profile figures as patrons army prepared to attack Bothwell Castle,” ex- meaning it had a group of priests rather than – the Roman Catholic Arch- plains Rev Gibson, pointing to the stone carv- just one in its 1000 years as a Roman Catholic bishop of Glasgow, Philip ing near the entranceway to the main church. place of worship – and it has many Royal Tartaglia, his episcopalian The stained glass above here was made espe- connections. counterpart,N the Rt Revd Dr Gregor Duncan, cially in France for the church. “The Provost of Bothwell was the head priest Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, and the Very And here,” he adds with a smile, “are the (if it had become a cathedral as originally Reverend John Cairns, Dean of the Chapel Bothwell embroideries – much more recent, planned, he would have been the Dean) who Royal. created by around 600 local schoolchildren, was also secretary to the King of Scotland, and “It’s a sign of the importance of this church in depicting the social and cultural history of the Archibald the Grim’s eldest daughter married mainstream Christian tradition that all three of town.” the Duke of Rothesay.” these men are patrons,” explains Rev Gibson. He adds in a whisper: “There are four “Bothwell Parish Church was a Roman gargoyle faces on them and one of them is DINBURGH born Rev Gibson Catholic place of worship until the Reformation supposed to be me!” came to Bothwell from Grange- in 1560, when the church in Scotland split. It But while Rev Gibson is happy to chat about mouth in 1989, when restoration was episcopalian for around 30 years after that the church and its place in Scottish religious of the church nave had just fin- before becoming part of the Presbyterian and cultural history, he is much more keen to ished. Since then, a new church Church of Scotland.” discuss the huge challenge it faces over the next office and flat has been created If he is daunted by the task ahead, Rev year. andE the old hall has been converted into a Gibson does not show it. The quire – the area at the east end of the popular church centre. “It is an exciting time and, of course, a huge church with its stunning stained glass window “We were considering further upgrading to responsibility,” he says. “This is not about – is collapsing. Enormous, heavy roof slates – the quire already, and then, in January, amid simply rebuilding a little part of our church – it each weighing around 160kg or roughly two the high winds and heavy rains, we noticed bits is about restoring a part of Scots history and bags of coal – are forcing down on the walls, of masonry falling off the quire wall,” explains culture for everyone to come and see and enjoy. causing them to buckle. Rev Gibson. “We get hundreds of visitors every year and The church needs to raise £2million by next “The current building is 600 years old, are very lucky to have a lively, busy summer to fund restoration works. So far, the rebuilt in 1398 by the third earl of Douglas, congregation – we are at the heart of our Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland Archibald the Grim.” community. have made their joint maximum grant – He adds with a smile: “He wasn’t particularly “The church has been rebuilt twice in its his- £250,000 – and this, along with other grim – apparently the name came from the tory and, on both occasions, it has been the peo- donations, including £100,000 from LandTrust scarring on his face from battle. He created the ple of the day who have raised the funds to get (Paterson’s Quarries) has meant the church has roof, which is very rare in Scotland because it is the work done, as a sign of their love of the already raised half a million pounds, leaving made from porous stone, it soaks up all the church and their faithfulness.” £1.5m still to be found. water, making it even heavier. He adds: “I hope that is what will happen A huge, international appeal has begun, “When we realised there was a problem we again and Bothwell Parish Church will remain targeting large trusts, foundations and corpo- called in the experts and they told us the walls a place of worship and sanctuary for many rate sponsors around the world. Audio-visual are buckling under the weight. Some of the tiles more years to come.” the reporter 39 It’s good to know we made a difference

absolutely wonderful boy, and home for months or even years. COUPLE RETIRE AFTER DEVOTING EIGHT autistic, so needed a lot of support. “I thought we were prepared for YEARS TO PROVIDING A LOVING HOME TO “But he went to school and I anything but we simply couldn’t knew his younger sister, Ruth, believe the background so many of CHILDREN IN DESPERATE NEED OF CARE would be heading to nursery soon, these children came from and, of AND STABILITY IN THEIR YOUNG LIVES so I kept wondering what I was course, that was reflected in their going to do next, and fostering behaviour. was in my mind. The couple candidly admit that, NOW that she and her husband “Every time she fell or if she “Walter wasn’t as keen as me at in the beginning, there were Walter have retired from eight needed something, she came to first but he said I’d always moments they found some of the years of fostering, Eleanor me. The baby brother was adopted supported him in everything, so children and their problems Thomson has only one regret. and the wee girl was adopted by he would do the same for me and challenging. “I wish we’d started 10 years another family. I know she went to he very quickly became as involved “But you learn how to cope and earlier,“ she says, “I think we’d someone who really loved her but as I did.“ it’s such a good feeling knowing have kept one or two of them for I never got her out of my mind.“ Realising the anguish some that you could help and make a good. Caring, undoubtedly, comes children endure still shocks the positive difference to a child who “She wanted to try fostering naturally to Eleanor. Thomsons but giving them a has been let down all through their since her own children Sharon, 42, “I had nursed when I was warm and loving home was short lives,” added Eleanor. and Steven, 40, were very young. younger and then worked in an always their first priority. Some of her memories are “We lived up the road from a office and I absolutely hated that,” “We were registered as short- funny, some simply searingly lady who fostered and one of the she explains. term carers for the age group 0 to poignant but, throughout them all, children had really got to me,“ she “My dad was disabled and I 12 and, at first, I thought we there is recognition that they were remembers. became his carer and then, when would just be providing emer- offering not just a place of refuge “She was just two and a half, my son had children, I was looking gency respite,” says Eleanor. but a loving home, with all the and a tiny wee thing, with a baby after them five days a week when “We did a lot of that but it was rules and structure that a family brother and she spent a lot of time their mum went back to work. My only a small part of it and many of needs. at our house with my daughter. oldest grandson, Lewis, is an the children coming to us needed a “Some of the older ones had 40 the reporter Eleanor and Walter Thomson retired recently WHY DO after devoting eight years to fostering WE NEED children from difficult and troubled back- FOSTER grounds. Pictures below CARERS? posed by models WE need foster carers to look after children of all ages who cannot live with their birth families. We provide a range of services and resources to help parents look after their children in the family home and while our aim is to help families stay together, there are many reasons why children need a period of fostering. These include: a parent going into hospital a parent not coping because of substance misuse a parent not coping due to mental ill health bereavement a child being abused or neglected Some children stay in foster care for only a few days or weeks until their families are able to care for them again. Sometimes it isn’t possible for them to return home and alternative plans are made either through permanent fostering or adoption. Foster carers offer children the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and secure environ- ment. Foster carers work as part of a team with the child's social worker, birth par- ents and any other agencies involved in the child’s care. never been taught any left to fend for themselves, yet all back, it was Fostering is boundaries,” she explains. they wanted was to get back to worth every a commit- “No one cared if they were their dad. minute. He ment for both running the streets until all hours, “Children love their parents and was in con- parties, if you so it’s not easy to get them to usually all they want is for their stant pain and are applying accept that, now they’re living behaviour to be different. so brave and, as a couple it with you, that you want to know “So these wee boys had a pact when he left, it is important where they are and expect them to together that, if they made as was like a that both of be in at a particular time. much mess as they could – and bereavement – you attend “Getting that through comes we’re talking smearing faeces we could barely preparatory down to patience and explanation, around the house – and as much mention his name groups and are sitting down with them to tell noise as possible, that they’d be without crying. actively involved in them that you care what happens sent back to him.” “He was adopted by a the assessment to them and that’s why you want One of the hardest experiences fantastic couple who already process. to know where they are and what for the couple involved a three- have two boys and we still If you are year-old boy they’d cared for since see him, which is great. they’re doing.” interested in he was a baby and was then “We couldn’t have Eleanor doesn’t think anyone becoming a can be totally prepared for all the adopted. chosen a better family but foster parent challenges involved in fostering “He was simply lovely,“ says giving back a child like then call the but says that the training and Eleanor. “He had Down’s that is the hardest part of Family support networks were extremely Syndrome and all sorts of health fostering – everything else Placement useful, especially in particularly issues, including a bowel is so minor compared to Team on trying circumstances. condition and constant infections. that. 01698 454895 “We had two wee brothers with “He’s the most wonderful child “It’s hard to leave it all be- us, who had been neglected and and even when we were both hind but it’s so good to know or email family abused,“ she says. shattered from lack of sleep, he that we made a lasting difference placement@south “They were totally insecure and gave so much love and affection to children who really needed us. “ lanarkshire.gov.uk the reporter 41 ‘IN THE FACE OF A CHANGING LANDSCAPE, WE NEED TO RECORD, PRESERVE AND CELEBRATE THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE THAT WILL INFORM FUTURE GENERATIONS ABOUT WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THE ROOTS OF THEIR COMMUNITY GO’

42 the reporter SOUTH LANARKSHIRE’S MINING HERITAGE ... CAN YOU DIG IT, ASKS ANDREW THOMPSON PEOPLE, PITS & PONIES

FROM the urban north to the upland south, don’t throw the baby out with life was lived during the there are few communities in South the bathwater. mining years. A DVD, or Lanarkshire that cannot trace an historical “In the face of a changing possibly DVD collection, will involvement in mining. landscape, we need to offer opportunities for local Now an ambitious project aimed at recording record, preserve and groups to produce a film the human experience of that shared heritage is celebrate the social and record investigating the looking for your support. cultural heritage that will themes of ‘Pits, Ponies, The Heritage Lottery Fund has already inform future generations People and Stories’ and awarded £20,700 in funding to support the about who they are and where recording the activities during development of the Pits, Ponies, People and the roots of their community go. the life of the project.” Stories project’s bid for £284,900 to back a “And I know from my time Kevin added: “The Exhibition two-year mass participation exploration of how working underground that, in mining and Resource section of the mining has shaped modern day South communities, those roots go very project aims to do exactly what it says Lanarkshire. deep.” – we want to see something The project aims to recruit 6000 local people The Steering Group is chaired developed that can provide a to research and celebrate their shared heritage by Kevin Mullarkey and, with new archive for research and and will offer opportunities for those involved so many threads to the also give an entry into the to gain new skills, such as how to collect an oral project all needing to be tied mining aspects of South history, filming and editing, performance, together in one funding Lanarkshire’s shared historical researching and more. bid, he admitted to facing a heritage.” South Lanarkshire Council Cultural daunting task: “We have a With the Heritage Co-ordinator Claire McGhee is one of the great team working on this Lottery Fund already driving forces behind the project and said she and everyone that we have showing considerable wanted to ensure the area’s mining heritage spoken to out in the support for the project, was preserved. community seems very including the development “I am sure that, like myself, many other excited by the idea so it is grant, the team say they are people took our mining heritage for granted,” fantastic to be involved. confident that the massive said Claire. “But we were working on a project “But it does mean the ideas amount of work going into the in a school in Hamilton and three quarters of a are coming thick and fast and, funding bid will pay off. class of primary 4s said they did not know with a number of consultation If that bid is successful, it will be what coal was for. events having already taken place, full-steam ahead for a project that will “And then it struck us that we are growing we are constantly hearing new offer opportunities for thousands of more distant from the last generation of thoughts and stories.” people to have a hands-on Lanarkshire Miners. To help steer the develop- involvement in bringing the “While there are many historical records and ment bid, the project has heritage of South Lanarkshire documents relating to mining, the ‘Pits, Ponies, already been divided into mining communities to life People and Stories’ aims to collect and record four key goals, as Kevin and recording it for the for the future the personal stories, the family explained: “We will be benefit of future anecdotes and the culture of the people from producing an Almanac, generations. the mining towns and villages.” collecting together a The project team’s commitment to the written record of people’s Further info about the people’s story is underlined by the early stories and memories, and proposed project can be inclusion of former miner Gilbert Dobbie, from recording heritage objects, found on Facebook by Coalburn, on the Management Steering Group locations and even events searching ‘Pits, Ponies, supporting the development of the Heritage such as Miner’s Galas. People and Stories’ and Lottery Fund bid. “Local schools around South ‘Liking’ it or via Twitter@Pits “The physical scars left by mining are Lanarkshire will be working with andPonies. Or contact Claire starting to disappear from the landscape and, in the project to produce a Children’s McGhee, Cultural Coordinator, many ways, that can be a positive thing,” History, in book form, and also to South Lanarkshire Council on 0141 explained Gilbert. “But it is important that we develop heritage re-enactment, exploring how 630 2520.

the reporter 43 adoptionadoptption in SouthL Lanarkshireanarrkshire

Think about adoption now!

Contact South Lanarkshire Council adoption service on 01698 454895 or visit www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

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44 the reporter

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the reporter 45 SocialSocial WorkWWoork Resources Resources

SocialSocial CareCare (Se(Self-Directedlf-Directed SSupport)upport) ((Scotland)Scotland) Act 20132013

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PatPat MMcCormackcCormack,Self-directed, Selff--directed TThehef fourfooouur optionsoptionsf foforors self-directedeellff--directeds support,uuppport, SupportSuuppporta andndP Planninglanning ManagerManagero onn wwhichhich wwillill bebea availableavvailaabblet tooi individualsndiivvidualsw whenwhheenn 0169801698 453708453708 or ttheyheyar areea assessedssesseda aassn needingeedingc carearea andnd ClaireClaire PPearsonearson,S,SocialocialW WorkerWoorrkker ssupportuuppporto orrs supportupportta assa anna adultdullttc carerarerar are:e: on 0016981698 453998453998.

46 the reporter www.goodeggcarsafety.comwww.goodeggcarsafety.com

For ffurtherurther ininformationformation onon Road SafetySafety in SouthSoouth Lanarkshire, ppleaselease contact the RoRoadad SSafetyafety TTeameam on 0016981698 453620

/scottishg/scottishgoodeggoodegg CommunityCommunity and Enterprise ResourceResourcess //goodeggsafetygoodeggsafety

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