Connecting Council and Community Spring 2015

Superfast start to spring

Inside your Council magazine: MugStock Festival, Schools tuck in, Pupils focus, Storm speaks 2 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk Contents

Welcome to the Spring 2015 edition of Balanced Budget Edlife, the Council magazine for the people of East Dunbartonshire. for 2015/16 –

Weather presenter Storm Huntley is but further cuts in featured on our front page - helping to celebrate the spread of superfast broadband in East years ahead Dunbartonshire (page 9). Edlife also took the chance to speak to the STV Glasgow star about At its February meeting, the Council growing up in Bishopbriggs and sticking in at confirmed that it had balanced the school (page 8). budget for 2015/16 as a result of its extensive ‘Your Services, Your Choices’ Mugdock Country Park is popular with consultation exercise in 2014 and the families across East Dunbartonshire and beyond, resulting budget reduction strategy. and visitors will be rocking and strolling later this The ‘Your Services, Your Choices’ Budget View 2 year with a new music and entertainment festival, consultation was designed to raise MugStock. Turn to page 5 for the full story. awareness of the £23 million savings the Excitement is growing as the area’s first new- Council needs to make in the next three build primary school prepares to open its Integrated Care 4 years and to find out the priorities of doors. See page 3 for all the latest on the new East Dunbartonshire communities. The Lairdsland Primary. consultation findings led to the budget reduction strategy, which the Council A running star has been given a boost thanks MugStock Festival 5 agreed back in September. to last year’s East Dunbartonshire Business Awards. The talented Merkland School pupil is The consultation identified that services to the vulnerable and to young What’s On 6 due to compete at the World Special Olympics this summer. Turn to page 7. people were a top priority. Decisions to make budget savings were taken Elsewhere in this issue there is information in October, November, and December, Jennifer’s joy 7 on recycling, Scottish Water roadworks, Self meaning the full savings requirement Directed Support, biodiversity success and more. of £7.2 million for 2015/16 had already been achieved when Council met in Storm on cloud nine 8 As always we hope you enjoy this edition of February. Despite this the Council was Edlife. And, remember, for the latest news you still able to prioritise an increase in Social can follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil, like us at Care budgets of £4.9 million in 2015/16. New lets system 9 www.facebook.com/edunbartonshirecouncil or Transformation and ensuring the Council visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk is as efficient as possible remain at the heart of the Budget Reduction Strategy Free schools meals 10 but with further savings of £9.4 million needed in 2016/17 and £6.7 million in 2017/18, future service cuts are inevitable.

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edlife is produced by the Corporate Communications Team, Customer Services can also be contacted East Dunbartonshire Council, Civic & Corporate Headquarters, in person at the Kirkintilloch Community Southbank Marina, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G66 1TJ. Hub or at one of the two interim Hubs in Email: [email protected] For further information: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk Bishopbriggs Library or in Brookwood Library Please get in touch if you have comments on this magazine or if there are any future in Bearsden. You can also email: features you would like to see. [email protected] In addition, you can find out a wide Printed on range of information on the Council on our recycled paper website, and also carry out a number of transactions. To find out more, visit: East Dunbartonshire Council takes no responsibility for advice or information contained on external websites. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Readers considering purchase or major investment decisions are advised to www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk seek appropriate professional advice. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk edlife 3 Sky’s the limit

New life could be breathed into under-used areas in East Dunbartonshire thanks to an inspirational new project. The Council successfully bid to be part of the Stalled Spaces Scotland programme - securing £15,000, which will be match- funded by the authority. That means a total fund of £30,000 is available as small grants to encourage the temporary use of stalled development sites, under-used green spaces, and vacant and derelict land in East Dunbartonshire. The national programme is Plan and the Town Centre First and temporary public art. twice a week and we have two being delivered by Architecture Principle, the programme will Tim Cowen, of Woodlands open sessions for volunteers. I and Design Scotland (A+DS) and focus on stalled spaces located CommunityGreyfiars Garden, Gardenhas been in the Merchantknow City, that Glasgow the garden - taken haslast broughtsummer by Lenny Warren. forms part of the Commonwealth within town and other settlement involved in transforming a derelict the neighbourhood together - Games Legacy and the Council is centres. site in Glasgow - a great example people who don’t usually mix one of just seven local authorities Support will be available to of what could potentially be socially will meet in the garden.” chosen to be part of the individuals keen to form groups to achieved through Stalled Spaces. Stalled Spaces Scotland inspirational scheme. take forward projects. “It was a rubbish dump, is a Legacy 2014 programme The aim is to have two Potential ideas could include completely overgrown and administered by Architecture and bidding rounds - with the first temporary food-growing projects, unloved,” he said. “We turned into Design Scotland and funded by opening in April 2015 and the community gardens, market a successful community garden. Scottish Government. Check out second planned for late autumn places, wildflower meadows, “We work with a range of the Council website and the local 2015. To link in with the Scottish outdoor gyms, natural play areas, groups - we have people with press for more details of how you Government’s Town Centre Action event and performance spaces, learning disabilities who come can get involved.

For more information Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk or First new-build www.ads.org.uk primary school to open 21 April 2015

Planned move

Planning changes to your home? East Dunbartonshire Excitement is growing as East school communities involved in for pupils, providing modern Council’s Planning and Dunbartonshire’s first new-build the Primary School Improvement schools which fully support the Building Standards Services school under the Primary School Programme is ongoing to establish Curriculum for Learning. have moved offices. Improvement Programme final designs to meet the needs The Council is also The team is now located at: prepares to open its doors. and aspirations of schools users, embarking on a major community Planning and Building Standards, The new Lairdsland Primary the education service and the local engagement exercise to look at Development and Regeneration is set to open for employees community. options for education provision in Services, Southbank House, and pupils following the Easter The programme includes Baldernock. Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch holidays, with a formal ceremony nine local schools – Lairdsland, Gordon Currie, Director of G66 1XQ taking place in May. Woodhill, Auchinairn, St Agatha’s, Education & Children’s Services Decant preparations are now St Flannan’s, Lenzie, Lenzie Moss, at East Dunbartonshire, said, All telephone numbers and e-mail well underway at the existing St Joseph’s and St Andrew’s - as “We’re very much looking forward addresses remain unchanged. school building in Kerr Street in part of a multi-million programme, to seeing the finished result at Telephone 0300 123 4510 or Kirkintilloch town centre, which which also includes five new, Lairdsland and, more importantly, e-mail opened 140 years ago in 1875. state-of-the-art buildings. to seeing our young people [email protected] Meanwhile, a series of The aim is to provide an enjoying the additional benefits it consultation events with the other enhanced learning environment will bring to their education.” 4 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk

may choose to use several SDS Christmas tree recycling Support to options to meet the different parts of your support plan. success makes 2014 live the way Kelly Gainty, Adults and you want Community Care Support Worker, the greenest ever said, “SDS is about making sure It has been a year since Self that service users can access the Local residents made 2014 the Directed Support (SDS), which support to live the way they wish greenest festive period ever in enables people with social care to live their lives. Their East Dunbartonshire - recycling needs to have more control over assessment and support is person- a record number of Christmas the support and services they centred rather than service-led trees. receive, came into force. and provides personalised and More than 30 tonnes of There are many ways in outcome-focused services. discarded trees were collected which you can direct your support “There is a dedicated SDS by East Dunbartonshire Council, and you can have as much or page on the Council’s website which gave residents the option as little control over this as you which provides information of dropping off their tree at a choose. The four options are: about the four SDS options and local collection point or having it “We put a lot of effort into • Direct Payment - the directs individuals to appropriate collected free of charge from their getting the word out there and Council provides you with a direct contacts. home. making it easy as possible for payment and this money can be “The Council also contracts Last year the Council residents to take part, and it looks used by you to buy support from an independent Direct Payment collected over 20 tonnes of like this has really paid off. an agency or other organisation Support Service, based in Christmas trees in skips at the four “Moving forward, our regular • Individual Budget - you Kirkintilloch, who provide advice, recycle locations, and via one-off garden waste collections start choose the support you require information, and support to collections. again from March. and request that the Council or a service users/carers on all aspects Grace Irvine, Director of “Residents should put out third-party organisation makes of SDS options, including the Neighbourhood Services, said, their green garden bin on the arrangements to provide and that recruitment of personal assistants “I am delighted our Christmas same day as their general waste the Council pays for this support and the activities associated with tree recycling campaign has been is collected, so it will be the on your behalf that support.” such a success this year. It makes following week for some people.” • Council Arranged Services - SDS Awareness Week was sense for lots of reasons – we are you ask the Council to choose the marked in East Dunbartonshire stopping trees going to landfill Visit the Council website - support you require, and to make from 30 March-3 April. For and they are also composted into www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk - arrangements to provide and pay more information visit www. an excellent compost/soil improver for full details. for this on your behalf eastdunbarton.gov.uk or www. for use in gardens. • Mixture of Options - you selfdirectedsupportscotland.org.uk

East Dunbartonshire with the Karen is confident that the Integrated Health and Social establishment of a single manager, new Partnership for integrated the Chief Officer, with a single services will deliver improvements, Care ‘goes live’ this summer line of accountability. There will saying, “Bringing together adult also be a single budget to deliver health and social care services one strategic plan for the services through Integration will make involved which will be overseen accessing these invaluable by the Integration Joint Board. support services simpler and more GP services are included in straightforward for service users this new approach to adult health and their carers. and social care services. “A single point of contact It is hoped that the new will mean that service users won’t Integration body, with single have to consider whether they points of contact, will improve should be approaching the Council appropriate referrals to social care or the NHS for the adult health services in support of the national and social care services they need aim to provide more care to and service delivery should be people in their own homes or in a more efficient through the new homely setting. approach.” The Shadow Integration Further detail on the Joint Board was established last timescales and the mechanisms year and will drop the ‘Shadow’ for delivering Integrated Health description once integration goes and Social Care is currently being live in the summer. finalised and will be published on Karen Murray is the Interim the Council website. Chief Office for Integration in Background information on Integrated Health and Social Dunbartonshire it will bring East Dunbartonshire and was integration and further details Care in East Dunbartonshire is together adult social work services appointed in early 2014. on the national approach can be moving forward and a target currently delivered by the Council She is currently working with found on the Scottish Government ‘go live’ date has been set for with community-based adult colleagues in the Council and website at www.gov.scot June 2015. health services delivered by the NHS to establish the structure Integration is a national NHS into one new partnership of the Partnership that will be Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk initiative being implemented body. Integration will bring established for the scheme going for further details on integration in across Scotland and in East benefits to customers across live. East Dunbartonshire. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk edlife 5 Strum-thing special at Mugdock

7-9 August 2015

The first major acts have been Reed fuses chord-based event which showcases the park community groups, at the festival announced for a brand new grooves, soaring melodic runs and itself while being something from 7-9 August boutique music and enter- percussion which truly realise special and unique for festival- There could also be pond tainment festival at Mugdock the breathtaking potential of the goers.” dipping, castle tours, guided Country Park. guitar. Kat Borrowdale, part of the walks, woodland rambles, survival Orkestra Del Sol and Preston Alan Govan, who first event organising team, added, sessions, storytelling, mountain Reed will get families and music dreamed of the festival five years “The feedback we have received biking, willow weaving and lovers rocking and strolling in ago while visiting the park with via an online survey and social archery. one of Scotland’s most stunning his wife, said, “We are delighted media has been incredible. The team behind the event locations as part of MugStock: A to announce the first two amazing “We want MugStock to be was involved in The Big Concert Festival of Music and Merriment. acts for MugStock: A Festival of about great music, but we also in Raploch, the Commonwealth Globally inspired, but distilled in Music and Merriment. want to create a truly unique Youth Circus and NVA’s Speed of Scotland, Orkestra Del Sol offer “Orkestra Del Sol’s legendary atmosphere which festival-goers Light project. an explosive reinvention of global live shows burst with anarchic will not experience anywhere else. Mugdock - which is managed brass band music - which has set humour, wildly skillful musical “Keep checking social media on a partnership basis between pulses racing and got toes tapping arrangements and a roguish sense to get the latest information on East Dunbartonshire and Stirling across continents. of theatre. the festival, acts and more.” Councils - currently receives over Preston Reed has been “Meanwhile, Preston Reed is As well as live music, there 600,000 visitors each year. acclaimed as one of the world’s one of the most influential solo are plans for parades, outdoor fun, For more information on how to greatest guitarists - captivating guitarists of the last two decades - circus and theatre performers, an support the festival and to buy audiences all over the world fusing blues, rock, funk and jazz. attempt to break the world record tickets, visit www.facebook.com/ with his two-handed integrated “The team is working hard behind for the longest kazoo-playing Mugstock, twitter - @MugStock percussive style. the scenes to create an amazing conga line and events with Water works will mean traffic management Scottish Water is due to kick off been timed to coincide with local the school holidays at Easter and To enable the work to be an important environmental school holidays, when road traffic in the summer when the road will carried out during the summer, a improvement project in volumes are reduced. be quieter at peak travel times. section of Drymen Road will be Bearsden in early April. The first phase will begin on “Scottish Water has liaised closed at Thorn Drive from June Around £350,000 is being April 6 and continue until April 19. with East Dunbartonshire Council’s 29 to August 11. Thorn Drive will invested to improve the waste The second phase will start on roads department about the also be closed for a short duration water infrastructure - helping to June 29 and continue for six weeks road traffic management and during these dates. protect the environment of the until August 11. is consulting with all relevant Access will be available for Manse Burn, which runs through Mark Maclaren, Scottish stakeholders, including local local residents, deliveries and the centre of Bearsden, and the Water’s regional communities businesses and bus companies, emergency services within the Allander Water. team manager, said, “This to ensure that everything closed sections of roads, but there The work will require important project will significantly possible is done to minimise any will be diversions in place for significant road traffic improve the environment of the inconvenience caused during the through traffic. management, including the Manse Burn, which is a small project.” The main diversion route temporary closure to through watercourse that winds its way To enable the work to be will be from Canniesburn Toll, traffic on sections of Thorn Drive through parts of central Bearsden. carried out during Easter, a section along Milngavie Road (A81) into and Drymen Road, and the use of “The project cannot be carried of Thorn Drive at Drymen Road Milngavie, along Craigdhu Road local diversions. out without the road closures on will be closed from April 6 for (B8050), through the Baljaffray In order to minimise Thorn Drive and Drymen Road but, approximately one week, and roundabout and onto Stockiemuir disruption, the project will be to minimise disruption, we have thereafter Drymen Road will be Road (A809) and Duntocher Road carried out in two phases and has planned the work to coincide with closed at Thorn Drive until April 19. (A810) and the same in reverse. 6 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk What’s on this Spring 2015 Festival of Museums World Book Night ..at the Auld Kirk Thursday 23 April Museum and Lillie Join in the annual celebration of Art Gallery books and reading, and be part of the biggest book give-away in the world. Look out for more details 15 – 17 May 2015 about World Book Night nearer the time in your local library or Come along with your family visit www.edlc.co.uk and www. and friends of all ages to enjoy a worldbooknight.org.uk fun and exciting weekend. You can dress up and participate in medieval music and dance Reading Groups Day demonstrations, and even meet a If you belong to a reading group knight. There will be storytelling, or are interested in joining one, face painting, weaving, craft why not go along and take part activities, birds-of-prey displays in this celebration of books and and much more. reading? Compare notes and share your experiences with other In addition, the Lillie Art Gallery groups. will give you the opportunity to Venue: William Patrick Library, do an ‘Art Selfie’, wander through Kirkintilloch ‘Wonderland’ and peek ‘Between When: 1pm – 4pm the Lines’ over the weekend. Date: Saturday 16 May

Look out for details of speakers Get into Heritage nearer the time in libraries or visit Easter activities Trails and Tales: Untold Stories of www.edlc.co.uk East Dunbartonshire Women Football for girls! For more information about Drop-in sessions for girls at the these sessions e-mail libraries@ Milngavie Library, Campsie Leisuredrome, Bishopbriggs for ages 5-12. eastdunbarton.gov.uk, phone Memorial Hall, Lennoxtown and 13-17 April, 1-3pm. 0141 777 3143 or contact the Bishopbriggs Library Cost just £3 per session library venue. Join the team for tea, coffee, Sports day biscuits and informal discussion Adult Learners Week All-day sport sessions for children in P1-7, on who are the local women of 17 – 23 May 2015 including football, rugby, tennis, athletics, East Dunbartonshire that you most netball and fun games. remember and why. Where did A Guide to Tablet Kirkintilloch Leisure centre, 7-10 April, they live and what did they do? 9am - 4pm, £15 per day To book a place at this free event Computers e-mail [email protected], call 0141 777 3143 or visit Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre, Tennis for a pound www.trailsandtales.org Leisuredrome, Bishopbriggs, Back again due to popular demand. Bishopbriggs Library and William Tennis for a pound at Kirkintilloch Leisure Patrick Library Centre, 13 - 17 April, 10am - 11am and 11am - noon, £1 per session. One-two-hour session FREE. This one-off session is aimed at anyone who has PC skills, but is now For more information pick thinking of moving to a tablet up a brochure or visit computer. www.edlc.co.uk/ www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk edlife 7 Running star given boost after business awards A rising star of the running “Jennifer has been training The 2015 final is world is on her marks to fly the hard - being picked for the Great taking place on 29 May, again flag for East Dunbartonshire Britain team is a big deal and she incorporating the Council’s annual What’s on in Los Angeles this summer is delighted and very excited. charity dinner and fundraiser. … thanks to a boost from the “Merkland School has also Economic Development Council and local firms. been very supportive. Officer Chris Filby said, “We’re Jennifer Kitchener (16) and “It was Jennifer’s PE teacher delighted to hear that money family have been raising funds Jane Keys who got her into raised at last year’s awards to help her compete at the 2015 running. Jane is so dedicated night has helped to make such World Special Olympics in the USA and enthusiastic - which is really a difference for the various this Spring 2015 - where she aims to shine for Team appreciated.” recipients. GB in the 100m and 200m sprints. Jennifer was selected for “The fantastic support for The Merkland School pupil Team GB after she competed in the the 2014 fundraising auction and was given a major boost following Special Olympics National Games raffle were tremendous examples the 2014 final of the East in Bath 2013 and won gold in the of local businesses’ continuing Dunbartonshire Business Awards, 4x100m relay. support for good causes across the which incorporated the Council’s Funds raised at last year’s area. annual charity dinner and awards final also helped “The awards evening rightly fundraiser. to support groups such as celebrates local success stories, Jennifer was one of the Milngavie Pipe Band, Milngavie but also highlights the tremendous Jennifer Kitchener is going for gold worthy recipients of funds Youth Band, Bearsden Festival, work being done by the unsung following the final, which raised Campsie Memorial Hall, East heroes working for charities how to suggest good causes to more than £7,000. Dunbartonshire Food Bank, East and organisations in East benefit - will be announced via the Dad Gary said, “We’re really Dunbartonshire Visually Impaired Dunbartonshire.” Council website and local press. grateful for the contribution from People’s Forum, Kirkintilloch The good causes which will the awards night, without which Olympians, Kirkintilloch Pipe Band, benefit this year will be announced For more information things would have been a lot the Monday Club and Lenzie Youth prior to the final. Details of how Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk harder. Club. you can attend the final - and

Winners from last year’s event have urged local businesses and innovators to put themselves forward for the 2015 awards. Brian Muirie, Director of Dieselec Thistle Generators, said, Showcasing “Winning the 2014 Best Large Employer award has no doubt great work helped us continue to grow and improve. to power As a company operating nation- ally, but based in the economy Milngavie, it’s important for us Preparations are well not to neglect our most immediate underway for the 2015 East market, East Dunbartonshire. Dunbartonshire Business “The award raised our profile Awards - organised by the locally, bringing opportunities Council - which aim to show- from local customers and suppliers case innovative entrepreneurs alike. It also gave our neighbours and enterprises. an insight into why all these The inaugural awards Dieselec Thistle lorries and vans in 2014 highlighted some of are constantly buzzing around the inspirational work taking their streets. place to generate income, “Finally, it provided some jobs and investment in East welcome recognition for the hard Dunbartonshire. work that our staff put in. All in all, Details of the award the award has had a very positive categories, timescales and im- pact on the business and we application process are available plan to participate again in 2015.” on www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk The final of the awards A total of 34 companies were takes place on 29 May in The nominated for last year’s awards, Eagle Lodge, Bishopbriggs. with more than 130 guests Details of how you can nominate attending the final at The Eagle - and attend the final - will be Lodge to celebrate the winners - announced via the Council website and contenders - in each of the 10 and local press. Visit categories. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk 8 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk TV presenter Storm is on cloud nine

natural choice and she has shone ever since. Storm modestly admits, “It was definitely not planned. I was in the right place at the right time. Sometimes life sends you in another direction and you go with it. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing - that’s the main thing. “I always liked science and there’s a lot of physics involved. The most important thing for young people is to stick in at school.” Storm - who describes Meadowburn Primary as a Given her first name you would launch a new phase of superfast High before she left to attend “fantastic” school - was given have thought Storm Huntley broadband and chatted to EDlife school in London. She returned to the honour of switching on the was destined to be a national about her school life - where she Scotland in 2004 to study politics Christmas lights in Bishopbriggs weather presenter. shared a classroom with singer- and economics at university, town centre in 2014. Contrary to But her bright career wasn’t songwriter Amy Macdonald. followed by a post-graduate what you might think, the weather forecast in advance - indeed “I grew up in Bishopbriggs course in journalism. presenter’s prophetic first name no-one would have guessed and live here now,” she said. “My She landed a job with the was given to her at birth. at Storm’s meteoric rise from parents have always had a house BBC as a journalist and found “I was born in a storm and Meadowburn Primary pupil to one here and the area has always been herself presenting travel and my mum liked the name,” she of the stars of STV Glasgow. home.” weather broadcasts. When a job said. “I was also named after a Storm (28) was in Storm attended Meadowburn arose for a weather presenter character in a book which my Bishopbriggs recently to help Primary and then Bishopbriggs at STV Glasgow, Storm was the mum was reading at the time.”

A ‘green army’ of schools, community groups, countryside Branching out with rangers and volunteers is helping to protect the biodiversity environment in East Dunbartonshire - and you can work join the ranks. The Council has a duty to conserve local biodiversity helping to sustain wildlife, habitats and other forms of nature. A range of Volunteers are pictured with colleagues activities have been highlighted from the Council and Ranger Service in the area’s first Biodiversity Duty Delivery Report including: • 92% of all primary and • A range of small-scale Strategy - said, “Maintaining If you want to get involved secondary schools achieved an biodiversity enhancement projects local biodiversity is fundamental in helping the environment eco- schools award were carried out by volunteers for everyone living, working and biodiversity of East • Mugdock Country Park in local ‘Friends Of’ groups - and enjoying the wonderful Dunbartonshire, there are plenty Ranger Service led more than with support from the Council’s countryside and nature of East of opportunities: 1,500 volunteer conservation Neighbourhood Services Dunbartonshire. * The Countryside Ranger Service days • More than 250 environmental “The Council will work with would welcome volunteers to • Degraded peat bogs were education sessions were delivered partners over the coming year help at Mugdock, Merkland Local rehabilitated at six sites, as part to local children by countryside to develop a new Action Plan Nature Reserve and other areas. of the national Green Stimulus rangers to support the enhancement of Call 0141 956 6586 or e-mail Peatland Restoration Project • Flood mitigation work was biodiversity in the future. We [email protected] • East Dunbartonshire completed at Colquhoun Park, will also continue to work with * Friends of Lenzie Moss - visit Green Gym was established - in Bearsden - utilising environmental partners and volunteers to deliver www.friendsoflenziemoss.org.uk partnership with TCV Scotland - engineering techniques. practical projects which help * Schools regularly organise encouraging people to improve Gillian Telfer - Team Leader, protect and improve local life, litter-picks and focus on the local greenspace while getting fit Neighbourhood Services economy and ecology.” environment. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk edlife 9 Super start to spring for surfers in East Dunbartonshire More than 2,500 homes and businesses in Bishopbriggs, and the surrounding area, can now get connected to ‘superfast’ fibre broadband. Local properties are among more than 216,000 across Scotland which can now access fibre broadband services at speeds of up to 80Mbps as part of the £410 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband rollout. Meanwhile, more than 2,200 home and businesses in Balmore and Milngavie - and 2,700 more home and businesses in Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie and Campsie Glen - will be among the next to benefit from fibre broadband. The project is reaching further Superfast Broadband roll-out. recognise the challenges that That is a sentiment shared into rural areas as engineers Thomas Glen, Director of continue to be faced by some of by Dunbartonshire Chamber of from BT’s local network business, Development and Regeneration, our communities and are lobbying Commerce. Openreach, continue work on the said, “Superfast broadband is the provider in a bid to ensure President Stewart Rennie ground. crucial for East Dunbartonshire and these areas are addressed. said, “Having access to high- A special launch event a major priority for this Council so “It is important that these speed broadband is essential both and roadshow was held in we’re pleased that even more of services are not just in the for businesses and households Bishopbriggs recently. our communities will have better towns, but are now reaching - supporting the economy and East Dunbartonshire Council access to online services. into the smaller villages of East increasing connectivity.” has been a strong supporter of the “At the same time we Dunbartonshire.” Customers like X marks the spot new lets system on May 7 The Council’s new system for for their lets online at the time of booking community lets in booking. Registered voters in East schools, community centres, Keith Vass is Chair of the Dunbartonshire will be able to halls and enterprise centres is Dunbartonshire Wind Ensemble take part in the General Election making it easier and quicker for and regularly books lets via the on 7 May 2015, but you need to customers to book and pay. Council. Keith says the new online act now to “make sure you’re

That’s the general feedback so system is very quick and easy to in”. X far from customers using the new use. Local residents will vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote process. “Being able to make bookings in one of two constituencies for more information. Since the new scheme was online is a real benefit for us as depending on where they live: Council Chief Executive Gerry introduced in January this year, is the introduction of monthly, • East Dunbartonshire Cornes is the Returning Officer for customers have been able to make e-mailed invoices,” he said. “It’s a (including Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. new reservations directly online very simple process and I would Bearsden, Milngavie and part of He said, “We want to through the Council’s website: say a big improvement on the Kirkintilloch) make sure that no-one in the www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ previous method.” • Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and East Dunbartonshire Council bookings Customers have three Kirkintilloch East (including area misses out on their right to Although early days, options for making and paying Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, vote in the forthcoming General customers using the new system for bookings that have taken Twechar and the eastern part of Election just because they aren’t are managing well and have place – they can do it online, over Kirkintilloch). registered.” been positive about their user- the phone or in person at any Poll cards are being issued If you want to check you are experience. Community Hub. from the start of April - giving registered you can contact the In addition the new, details of where you will be able Electoral Registration Officer for streamlined process sees the Existing customers or any local groups to cast your vote. East Dunbartonshire by calling introduction of monthly e-mailed who are looking for premises can find The deadline for registering 0800 980 0471 or e-mailing invoices, helping organisations to out more about the new lets booking to vote in the General Election in [email protected] spread the cost of their payments. system by e-mailing May is 20 April - however, would- You can also write to Future developments will mean letting@eastdunbarton. gov.uk, call be voters are being urged to act Dunbartonshire and Argyll & customers will also be able to pay 0300 123 4510 or visit now to ensure they don’t miss out. Bute VJB, 235 Dumbarton Road, www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ bookings Voters can now register online - Clydebank, G81 4XJ. 10 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk Hollywood’s ‘green screen’ at a library near you It’s how superheroes fly over magical backdrops for Badger’s tall buildings in Hollywood antics. blockbusters and how it One pupil said, “I found the looked like Sandra Bullock equipment really interesting really was in space in - it was clever the way the ‘Gravity’ – green screen background developed from a technology. And now green screen. I’ve never done East Dunbartonshire Leisure something like that. I’d love to see and Culture Trust is bringing it the finished product!” to a library near you. Children & Families The Green Screen Literacy Development Officer, Rebecca and Learning Project was launched McKellar added, “Local community in East Dunbartonshire recently, groups and schools can contact us thanks to funding from the Public to book a themed Green Screen Library Improvement Fund, and workshop at their nearest EDLC pupils from Castlehill Primary in venue. Bearsden were among the first to “This is a new and exciting have a go. development that will engage They enjoyed a magical day young people with books and with ‘Badger the Mystical libraries.” Pictured at William Patrick Library: Hillhead Primary Mutt’, his author Lyn McNicol and To find out more please call pupils getting hands-on with ‘green screen’. illustrator Laura Cameron Jackson. EDLC Trust on 0141 777 3036. Youngsters created their own Pupils tuck into free school meals

Dinner ladies in East a nutritious meal at lunchtime - it Dunbartonshire have had a busy has a positive affect both on their new year, dishing up thousands health and wellbeing, as well as more school dinners each week their academic performance. as free meals for all Primary 1-3 “Our team planned really well children are introduced. for the introduction which meant The uptake was almost 80% we had a smooth start to the in the first few weeks and is project in the first few weeks.” expected to stay high as children - Scottish Ministers say they and their parents – feel the benefit are committed to ensuring every - both in their pockets as well as P1-3 pupil has the option of a free their tummies. school meal and stress the Scottish Months of planning went into Government will spend £13m on Appetite for success - pupils are tucking in. the roll-out in January, including funding the scheme in 2014-15 hiring new staff, buying new and £42m in 2015-16. equipment and increasing orders from suppliers. The free lunches were introduced and funded by Ian Black, Director of Finance Information regarding the Scottish Government. Universal and Shared Services, explained, Universal Credit can be found Before the change, around “We have been advised by the on the Council’s website www. 300 children were eligible for a Credit Department for Work and Pensions eastdunbarton.gov.uk. The free school meal, but this figure that the national roll-out of Department for Work and Pensions increased to around 3,000 when rolls out in Universal Credit will reach East also has a Universal Credit website the new initiative came into force. Dunbartonshire in December 2015. page - www.gov.uk/jobcentres- Grace Irvine, Director of “As with all aspects of Welfare where-you-can-claim-universal- Neighbourhood Services said, late 2015 Reform that have been introduced credit - and a Universal Credit “While we didn’t know for sure Although Universal Credit is in recent years, we continue to helpline on 0345 600 0723. how many children would take being rolled out nationally work with local partners, including Independent advice and up the offer of a free lunch, we from February 2015, East Citizens’ Advice Bureau and local information on all aspects of were expecting around 80% to Dunbartonshire Council’s Registered Social Landlords, and Welfare Reform can be obtained take advantage, so our predictions residents are not likely to be we will ensure we provide further locally from East Dunbartonshire were pretty accurate affected until much later in more specific details once these Citizens’ Advice Bureau by “Children benefit greatly from 2015. are known.” telephoning 0141 775 3220. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk edlife 11

n Conservative (Con) n Independent (Ind) n Labour (Lab) your n Liberal Democrat (LD) local councillor n Scottish National Party (SNP) For details of Councillors’ surgeries or if you would like to speak to your Councillor, please call the number above his/her photograph. To find out who your Councillor is, please check the website at www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 578 8086.

Maureen Henry (Lab) Jim Gibbons (SNP) Eric Gotts (LD) Duncan Cumming (Ind) Ian Mackay (SNP) Ward 1 - Milngavie Ward 1 - Milngavie Ward 1 - Milngavie Ward 2 - Bearsden North Ward 2 - Bearsden North Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8016 Tel: 0141 578 8016 Email: maureen.henry@ Email: jim.gibbons@ Email: eric.gotts@ Email: duncan.cumming@ Email: ian.mackay@ eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Ashay Ghai (LD) Keith Small (SNP) Manjinder Shergill (Lab) Vaughan Moody (LD) John Dempsey (Lab) Ward 4 - Campsie Ward 2 - Bearsden North Ward 3 - Bearsden South Ward 3 - Bearsden South Ward 3 - Bearsden South & Kirkintilloch North Tel: 0141 578 8016 Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8163 Tel: 0141 578 8072 Email: ashay.ghai@ Email: Keith.small@ Email: manjinder.shergill@ Email: vaughan.moody@ Email: john.dempsey@ eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Gemma Welsh (Lab) David Ritchie (SNP) Billy Hendry (Con) Anne McNair (SNP) Una Walker (Lab) Ward 4 - Campsie Ward 4 - Campsie Ward 5 - Bishopbriggs Ward 5 - Bishopbriggs Ward 5 - Bishopbriggs & Kirkintilloch North & Kirkintilloch North North & Torrance North & Torrance North & Torrance Tel: 0141 578 8072 Tel: 0141 578 8072 Tel: 0141 578 8016 Tel: 0141 578 8016 Tel: 0141 578 8086 Email: gemma.welsh@ Email: david.ritchie@ Email: billy.hendry@ Email: anne.mcnair@ Email: una.walker@ eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Alan Moir (Lab) Gordan Low (SNP) Michael O’Donnell (Lab) Rhondda Geekie (Lab) Anne Jarvis (Con) Ward 6 - Bishopbriggs Ward 6 - Bishopbriggs Ward 6 - Bishopbriggs Ward 7 - Lenzie & Ward 7 - Lenzie & South South South Kirkintilloch South Kirkintilloch South Tel: 0141 578 8072 Tel: 0141 578 8072 Tel: 0141 578 8072 Tel: 0141 578 8038 Tel: 0141 578 8038 Email: alan.moir@ Email: gordan.low@ Email: michael.o’donnell@ Email: rhondda.geekie@ Email: anne.jarvis@ eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Gillian Renwick (SNP) John Jamieson (SNP) Stewart MacDonald (Lab) Jack Young (Ind) Ward 7 - Lenzie & Ward 8 - Kirkintilloch Ward 8 - Kirkintilloch East Ward 8 - Kirkintilloch Did you know? Kirkintilloch South East & Twechar & Twechar East & Twechar Tel: 0141 578 8038 Tel: 0141 578 8038 Tel: 0141 578 8038 Tel: 0141 578 8038 Anyone can attend Email: gillian.renwick@ Email: john.jamieson@ Email: stewart.macdonald Email: jack.young@ Council meetings at eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk @eastdunbarton.gov.uk eastdunbarton.gov.uk the Headquarters in Kirkintilloch to observe what goes on and hear their local Councillor. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 30 April 2015 at 6pm. 12 edlife www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Self Directed Support with Quarriers

Through a wide range of services across East Dunbartonshire, we support adults, children and young people affected by disability to get the best out of life. Our services include support for adults, children and families in their own homes, supported accommodation for adults and residential short breaks for children and young people within East Dunbartonshire. Our focus is on each individual’s needs, and we work with every child and adult to determine what is most important to them. To find out more about how Quarriers can help support you with your budget contact us on 0141 779 5980 or email [email protected].

www.quarriers.org.uk/mybudget

Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity: No. SC001960

Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity: No. SC001960