Our Challenges & Choices Special Four Page Budget Pullout Facing up to the Future - We Want Your Views Council News

A Autumn 2010 www.falkirk.gov.uk NE FOR A'

DOG FOULING CAMPAIGN CONTINUES Kinnaird put in the picture

Kinnaird Primary pupils made a summer fair and, easier for every dog owner to clean big impression this summer as invited all the local parents to up after their pets, providing dog The message is simple. stars of Falkirk Council’s billboard their “poo” assembly. waste and litter bins across the area When you walk your dog: publicity campaign against dog and handing out around four million take a bag with you fouling. A follow-up survey by pupils free poop scoops every year,” he Their appearance on the billboard found only seven doggy deposits. went on ”but the message still bag your dog’s mess in Falkirk’s Callendar Road launched The second and third images to doesn’t seem to get across to some put the bag in a bin or the second phase of the Council’s be used during the Council’s people even with the threat of on- what’s on page nine award-winning “Shameful, Filthy, campaign further highlighted the the-spot fines as a deterrent.” take it home Selfish” campaign! unpleasant consequences on adults The “Shameful, Filthy, Selfish” Kinnaird Primary began its own and children of dog fouling. campaign launched in August 2009, dog fouling campaign in March this “Local and national surveys featuring three unforgettable known hot-spots in the first two year when a pupil survey found 144 highlight dog fouling as one of the images on billboards and bus weeks of the campaign top environmental concerns of the deposits of dog mess near the shelters throughout the Falkirk high response to the Council’s school. public,” said Councillor Charles Council area. The 2009 campaign MacDonald, Environment and online survey indicating the Children from the Eco group and resulted in a: campaign provoked a strong Primary: Community Safety Convener. Congratulating Kinnaird pupils 34% increase in the number of reaction from the public in wrote their own newspaper on their campaign, Councillor free dog waste bags issued support of the campaign. articles MacDonald said continuing to raise (655,000 in the two months The three new “Shameful, Filthy, during the campaign, compared handed out questionnaires awareness like that was the only Selfish images for the 2010 way to put an end to the dog mess to 490,000 over the same period campaign have built on this success designed posters featuring fake menace. in 2008 with one highlighting the number of dog mess they made themselves “The majority of dog owners are 53% decrease in the number of fines issued to dog fouling set up a stall at the school’s responsible. We’ve already made it dog mess deposits counted in offenders across the Council area. Falkirk Council News 2

Leader of Enterprising Falkirk Falkirk Council Enterprising Falkirk takes the top spot

Councillor Craig Martin, The Falkirk Council area is the most Leader of Falkirk Council enterprising in … and that’s official. Thanks to the success of My Future’s in Welcome to the Autumn, 2010 Falkirk it took top place in the Scottish finals of Falkirk Council News. the Enterprising Britain competition and went through to the six-strong shortlist for the UK This edition carries a special title at the end of September (after this edition supplement inside on the very of Falkirk Council News went to press). serious financial situation facing The UK-wide competition, run by Enterprise Falkirk Council, the options for UK with Scottish Enterprise, rewards areas which have tackled the economic downturn the substantial savings we have head on and are successfully creating jobs, to make and the ideas that local boosting local business and nurturing people put forward in our entrepreneurial talent. customer survey. The Falkirk Council area was recognised for its success with: Like all other public sector organisations, Falkirk Council will My Future's in Falkirk, a 10-year initiative which launched a series of projects have considerably less funding in impacting on the area's economy and the next few years. promoting the area to the wider business While we have already started to community make cost-cutting decisions some town centre regeneration hard choices lie ahead if we are the creation of the Falkirk BID and £20 to protect the front line services million of regeneration funds which local people, particularly a 30-acre business park on land reclaimed the most vulnerable in our from the petrochemical industry Enterprise starts early as Falkirk community, depend on. a new 33 acre business park on the former Council pupils showed at Making the Alcan site and As soon as we have more detail Connection - a programme which on the financial situation Falkirk innovative partnerships, like that of INEOS develops links and connections with young people and those working with Council will bring you that and Forth Valley College to create Modern Apprenticeships, and between businesses them in: information. business and education and support agencies to develop a skilled “Winning the top prize would be great but The UK competition However, there is a lot of good workforce and create employment. Falkirk Council’s goal is to help our area get will see the Falkirk arts, culture and creative industries news to report in this edition. Judge Brian McVey of Scottish Enterprise said: through the tough times ahead and ensure that Council area, along science and technology “"The success of My Future's in Falkirk the whole district is a great place to live, work with the others on community and environment We are delighted with the excellent demonstrates what can be achieved if people and do business and My Future’s in Falkirk is the short-list, judged performance by pupils and schools and organisations work together to improve the crucial to that,“ he said. by a panel of experts marketing and communications in this year’s Higher and Standard social and economic prospects of their "We want to support and stimulate the local who will select three The day, at Carronvale House, , grade exams and in our primary community." economy across the Council area, from Bo'ness final locations to showcased work with young people in schools, with a particular mention “Reaching the final six of the UK competition to We have already completed visit. The area that My Future’s in Falkirk when pupils for Wallacestone’s excellent HMIe is a great endorsement of the work done to some amazing projects which have brought wins the UK title later presented their work on My Future’s In report. support local businesses and encourage new about real change and improvements to local this year will go Falkirk to representatives of businesses investment in the Falkirk Council area“ said communities. Practical support - not talk - will forward to the and organisations and celebrated the You can also read about the Falkirk Council’s Convener of Economic Strategy deliver real dividends for local businesses and European Enterprise Enterprise in Education awards. successful completion of our and Development, Councillor Adrian Mahoney. the residents we serve." Awards in 2011. multi-million regeneration of and the new consultation on plans to transform Denny’s town centre. Falkirk Community This year’s Customer Survey results show that we are maintaining good quality of Hospital service on the majority of areas of importance to local people.

We are also looking for local views The new Forth Valley Royal on the way forward in providing Hospital in Larbert means the right housing for older people Falkirk and District Royal in a changing society. Infirmary is to have a new role as a Community Hospital. Annual The environment is another vital component in our quality Over the next few years some Awards 2010 of life and I am pleased to see buildings on the Falkirk site the reports of progress in our will be demolished to make way Sustainable Falkirk Strategy like for new purpose-built facilities the completion of our core paths and some existing Awards are made network and news of some accommodation will be annually to individuals, refurbished. groups, clubs or teams interesting new projects like the resident in the area local schools who will be planting Demolition is due to start in who have achieved their own orchards. November 2010 with the Scottish, British or Windsor Unit the first to go. higher recognition, Other successes include the normally through award of a prestigious Green “These plans ensure that the competition, in sports Flag award for Callendar Park, a sexual health (including Bonnybridge Hospital will Falkirk Infirmary site has a family planning) re-locate to Falkirk Community and the arts. national endorsement of the work vibrant future and continues to mental health Hospital in 201, once new by the Council and the community play an important role at the modern, en-suite The awards relate to in meeting the stringent criteria heart of the community,” said podiatry accommodation has been achievements in the for the award. Fiona Mackenzie, Chief psychology services, and developed. year 2010. Executive of NHS Forth Valley. in-patient services for people Protecting and developing the Visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/ local economy is also the subject requiring rehabilitation, Nomination Forms are “Falkirk Community Hospital palliative and continuing falkirkcommunityhospital for available from One Stop of hard work by the Council in will be a base for hundreds of care. more information. Shops, Libraries, from partnership with the public and NHS staff and is expected to the Acting Director of handle around 60,000 patient Ophthalmology and pain clinics private sector so we were very will continue on an interim Law & Administration, honoured that our area won the attendances each year. It is Municipal Buildings, one of four community basis but will transfer to the Scottish final of the Enterprising Community Hospital Falkirk and online at hospitals being provided across www.falkirk.gov.uk. UK award, thanks to the vision and Forth Valley to give care closer site in late 2011, as planned. dynamism of My Future’s in Falkirk. to people’s homes.” The Minor Injuries Unit will Completed forms should We are looking forward to Falkirk Community Hospital has transfer to Forth Valley Royal be returned to the competing against the best of a wide range of outpatient in July, 2011 as part of a fully Acting Director of Law & the rest of the country in the services: comprehensive Accident and Administration no later UK-wide finals later this year. Emergency Department. than 31st December A dental NE FOR A' 2010. speech and language therapy In-patient and community dietetics services currently in Falkirk Council News 3

CWALLAlCEaSTONEsHMsIE SUCCEASS ct

Wallacestone Primary is a class act according to HM Inspectorate of Education. The school scored “excellent” or “very good” in every category covered by the inspectors in their report … the best inspection performance by a Falkirk Council primary. Among the strengths of Wallacestone were “polite, articulate and well-behaved children” who talked with enthusiasm about learning, according to the inspectors (HMIe). Other strengths highlighted were: attainment in reading, writing and arithmetic the positive vision and values of the whole school community leadership at all levels and staff contributions to improving the school self-evaluation in improving learning experiences for children “Across the school and nursery, children are very well motivated and engaged in their learning. They feel safe and happy, and are proud of their many achievements,” said HMIe. Enterprise was also an important aspect of Wallacestone pupils were developing excellent school life with each class taking responsibility for citizenship skills through their involvement and organising projects. communication with schools in several different There was a very good range of healthy living countries, said the report, “learning about and physical skills by taking part in the numerous different cultures and raising money for charity after-school clubs, including cheerleading, dance through engaging with the travels of their school and gardening. Across the school, at all stages, mascot, “Angus”. children are engaged in active, purposeful activities. Children worked together very well, for example to discuss ideas, solve problems, and create displays, the report went on, and across the school and nursery, children achieved very well in different areas of learning. At all stages, children were developing appropriate skills and enhancing their learning by using information and communications outstanding report by HMIE and everyone at for a primary school under the HMIe’s new, more technology, like blogging about school life. Wallacestone Primary, the head teacher, her staff, detailed approach to quality improvement areas. There was excellent progress in reading, writing parents and especially the children can all be very “We were marked ‘excellent’ on ‘Improvement in and mathematics and attainment continued to proud of themselves. performance’ and on ‘Improvement through self- improve with almost all children achieving Head Teacher, Mrs Margaret MacDonald added: evaluation’, an achievement with which we are all appropriate national levels …most pupils doing so “This HMIe report highlights many of the delighted.” earlier than might normally be expected. achievements of our school community. We are a Across the school and nursery, staff knew the forward- thinking school and the attainment of a children very well, were sensitive to their learning third green flag for our eco work, in June 2010, Wallacestone Primary serves the villages of needs and made classrooms interesting places to signals the excellence we continue to achieve. , , Wallacestone and learn. “I am SO proud of all the pupils and staff who part of Rumford. The school roll is 565 including Falkirk Council’s Convener of Education, always give of their best to Wallacestone and gave 86 in the nursery. Councillor Dr Alex Waddell said: “This has been an Falkirk Council their first two “excellent” grades

EXAMS SUCCESS outstanding results,“ said Councillor Dr their associated secondary schools to Alex Waddell, Convener of Education. provide a common approach to restorative practices. Top Marks “When H.M. Inspectors reported in 2007 they said our education service The number of exclusions has been was good and they highlighted a reduced to well below the national number of key strengths but did average, reflecting the good behaviour identify the need for improvement in schools. Pupils in Falkirk Council schools are including attainment in secondary doing better and better. schools,“ he went on. Secondary schools are also giving increasing attention to vocational Secondary schools had their best “I am sure that this year’s exam results education opportunities for young Higher results performance this year will show that it is exactly what has people as part of the Curriculum for and the number of children in the five been achieved, with a steady year-on- Excellence. to fourteen age group reaching reading year improvements since 2007. A great and maths targets has increased over deal of hard work has been put in by Schools have been able, working with the past four years. everyone involved. The outcome can further education partners, training only boost everyone’s confidence in the providers, the private sector and the Attendance at school is above the approach we have taken.” Council’s Employment and Training Scottish average at both primary and Unit, to offer young people in their secondary level and the number of Secondary school attendance has final phase of schooling access to pupils excluded from school is steadily increased to above the Scottish work-based and work related learning. significantly lower than the national average and at primary level it figure. continues to be high. “I am glad to say a growing number of young people are doing well through This year’s Scottish Qualification Restorative approaches to good programmes like the Duke of , Authority (SQA) exam results show a behaviour are becoming well Youth Achievement and Scottish established in all secondary schools Progression Awards, complementing the steady increase in performance over the level for reading, 82% for writing and “Everyone involved - pupils, teachers past few years: following successful pilots. improving picture for SQA results,“ said 88% for maths, many have done so a and educational staff - is to be Dr Waddell. 25% of fifth year pupils gained three year ahead of target. congratulated on this year’s Primaries are now working closely with or more Higher passes, up by 8% from 2007 12% of pupils gained five or more Highers, double what it was in 2007 You can now more sixth year pupils gained at least three passes and more also visit an easy to achieved five use dedicated more pupils gained Advanced Highers web site to find more fourth year pupils gained five and report all of or more Standard Grades. your Council Primary pupils are also doing well. Not only have 86% reached the expected house repairs. Falkirk Council News 4

CUSTOMER SURVEY Your FREE views ENERGY matter ADVICE Free energy advice sessions are on The views of local people are vital offer during October at Falkirk in shaping the services Falkirk Council’s One Stop Shops. Council provides. The 2010 Customer Survey by the An advisor from Energy Saving Scotland Council drew 4400 responses from advice centre (ESSac) will offer impartial people across the area …and their energy advice on: ideas for saving money. the Energy Assistance Package The survey, sent out with Council Tax bills to all residents, asked fuel debt advice, questions about their satisfaction with priority service register and, a range of key services. “I am glad to say that in almost all how to switch to another energy key areas the Council has maintained or supplier. improved satisfaction rates, compared A representative from the Older Persons with our 2008 survey, “ said Councillor Advice Project will also be on hand Craig Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council. provide information on income ”We are very grateful to everyone who maximisation and the local agencies responded to the survey. What they which can give them specific advice. told us will help us plan budgets and improve services in the future. 22% by e-mail (up from 8% in 2008) or “satisfied” continuing a steady increase from 70% in 2006 Monday, October 25 “Some areas of great importance to 14% through the Council website Area Forums, Community Councils 9am - 12 noon, Stenhousemuir One our citizens, such as how safe they feel 21% in person and, or public meetings, 2.7% litter collection, 54%, up from Stop Shop, 398 Main Street, in their communities, have seen a 47% in 2006, 3% in writing 80%, felt “well informed” or Stenhousemuir. steady and significant improvement “quite informed” about the Council dog fouling, 31%, and since 2004. In others there is scope for depending on the issue they wished to Tel: 01324 503365 improvement” he went on, “and we will raise. 13% felt they were not informed roads and footpath maintenance, be looking closely at these. The initial (down from 16% in 2008 and 31% “satisfied” or “very satisfied” Monday, October 25 response to our Citizen’s Panel has also Staff Helpfulness, Courtesy 25% in 2004). (down from 36% in 2008). 1 - 3pm, Bo’ness One Stop Shop, 24 East Pier Street, Bo’ness been excellent, with more than 1000 and Knowledge: News Quiz Where You Live people signing up already to give us more than 85% of respondents The survey also asked how people The survey showed: Tel: 01506 778899 their views.” were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” would prefer to receive information 86% of respondents were either with staff helpfulness about the Council and, at 58%, “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” Wednesday, October 27 Contacting the Council 77% were “satisfied” or “very Falkirk Council News was the most with their neighbourhood as a 9am - 12 noon, One Stop, More than 65% of respondents had satisfied” with staff knowledge popular option, followed by local place to live, up from 85% in 2008 308 Main Street, Camelon contacted the Council within the Tel: 01324 503737 74% were “satisfied” with the newspapers at 36.5%, the website 61% thought their area had not previous 12 months, down from 80% at 20% and by letter at 17.9%. in 2008. Of these overall standard of service changed much over the past two More respondents expressed interest years, and Wednesday, October 27 76% had contacted the Council by 60% of those who chose an option in the performance of culture and 1 - 3pm, Denny One Stop Shop phone (50% in 2008) said that they got what they leisure services and environment while 22% thought it was getting Carronbank House, Carronbank 14% in person (21%) wanted and were treated well services, including roads maintenance worse (27% in 2008). Crescent, Denny 2% by letter (6%) and, 12% advising said they did not get and refuse collection and recycling Asked what would most improve Tel: 01324 508881 what they wanted and were not than previously. their area: 6.2% by e-mail (8%). treated well. Customer Satisfaction 36% said better roads Friday, October 29 The most common reasons were to: (up from 24% in 2008) 9am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 3pm, request a service (32.5%) Performance Reporting The survey showed improvements Respondents normally obtain in a number of areas 30% said less litter, Callendar Square One Stop Shop, seek information or advice (24%) information about the Council from a on refuse collection 86% were 20% said improved town Callendar Square, Falkirk or to make a complaint (14.6%) variety of sources including: “very satisfied” or “satisfied” centres and, Tel: 01324 590568 Falkirk Council News, 74%, (up from 82% in 2008) broadly in line with the 2008 figures. 8.5% better parks. (up from 40% in 2008) special uplifts, 63% Monday, November 1 Asked how they preferred to contact local newspapers, 60% “very satisfied” or “satisfied” On Safety 9am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 3pm, the Council: One Stop Shop, 5 York by word of mouth, 20.3% (up from 60% in 2008) and 90% felt “very safe” or more than 60% by phone (up from Lane. Grangemouth street lighting, 86% “very satisfied” “fairly safe” in their local area 51% in 2008) the Council website, 24% during the day (80% in 2004) Tel: 01324 504530 58% felt safe after dark (45% in 2004) Wednesday, November 3 9am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 3pm, ...and this little credit union Savings Dawson One Stop Shop, Dawson Centre, The survey also asked for views on David’s Loan, . savings given the financial pressures Tel: 01324 501470 on the Council. piggy helps to save for... More than 700 people answered this question including: STEWART ROAD RESIDENTS reducing use of energy such as lighting in buildings and street lighting Neighbourhood efficiency savings through joining up services reductions in opening hours Action and increased charges. See the special budget section in Falkirk’s Stewart Road Action Group the centre of this edition of Falkirk has been working with Falkirk Council’s Council News to find out how you Litter and Community Safety Teams can give us your views. and residents to improve their neighbourhood. CITIZENS PANEL A group of residents got together in July and again in September with the Council Join our and Community Service Volunteers (CSV) for a clean up and litter pick in which citizens panel bins store areas were cleared of discarded furniture and other rubbish, and paths and closes cleared. A Citizens Panel is being set up by Falkirk Council to gather the views Community Safety Teams are monitoring of people from across the area. the area to ensure there is no new dumping and the Council has written to all residents More than 1000 people have reminding them of the £50 fixed penalty already signed up but we need which can be issued for litter offences. more to make sure we really know what residents of the Falkirk Communal gardening tools - including Council area think. petrol lawn mower, trimmers and protective If you would like to join the gear - are available for any resident to Citizens Panel please: borrow to keep back the grassed back visit www.falkirk.gov.uk to courts tidy. register or The Action Group holds monthly meetings. email Group representatives also attend the [email protected] or Problem Solving Partnership meetings to For more information on how to join contact: call 01324 506011 address local issues with the Police, Council, and Fire and Rescue Falkirk District Credit Union, 4 Station Road, Grangemouth FK3 8DG. All you will be asked to do is representatives. complete a questionnaire three or Tel 01324 473695 or visit the website www.falkirkcreditunion.co.uk four times a year tell us what you Supported by Falkirk Council think of Council Services and other local issues. Falkirk Council News 5

DENNY REGENERATION LATEST Community consultation on new Denny plan

Community consultation on a new masterplan for the regeneration of “Falkirk Council has always recognised Denny town centre got underway at the the urgent need to regenerate Denny end of the summer and early results Town Centre and we fully share the showed support for the new scheme. community’s concerns,“ said Councillor Falkirk Council agreed a revised scheme Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council, “We to transform the town centre through: appreciate that, for the Denny demolition of the Church Walk block Community, demolishing Church Walk in Duke Street will be the most powerful symbol of 26,000 sq. ft. of new retail space - the town centre’s regeneration and increasing the existing shopping space making this happen as quickly as in the town centre by 6000 sq.ft possible our priority. a new 16,600 sq.ft. foodstore (with “Stenhousemuir regeneration was room to expand by 4500 sq.ft.) and successfully completed this year but a new library the whole project took a long time community rooms from the original planning stage to town square, public toilets and extra the modern centre we have now,” he parking. added. “Regeneration involves consultation at every stage and the There was a positive response to the sometimes lengthy process of acquiring revised scheme in drop-in consultation properties.” sessions held in September. In total, 92 survey forms were completed at the sessions with 82 people saying the “We did assess other options but these amended scheme was a positive step were either going to deliver an inferior forward for Denny scheme or could delay or jeopardise The Denny project, like those in town delivery of a new town centre altogether. centres across the UK, had stalled due to Henry Boot has shown commitment to the worldwide economic downturn. the project by working closely with the However, the Council worked closely Council to secure a viable and exciting with the developer Henry Boot to design masterplan for Denny,” he went on. an amended scheme which will be “Meanwhile, Falkirk Council has used commercially more viable by removing the money from the Scottish Government limited housing and office space in the Town Centre Regeneration Fund to give original plan and slightly reducing the Stirling Street new shop fronts, upgrade retail provision. the traffic lights and road surfaces at These adjustments mean the overall Denny Cross and bought two properties in project retains all the character and key Church Walk to help speed the demolition elements of the original for the delivery go ahead next year,” he said. of a modern town centre. Councillor Dr Alex Waddell, Chair of the The first phase of demolition Denny Development Group, said, “The involving the Church Walk Block on early responses to the latest consultation Duke Street cannot go ahead until are very encouraging and I am confident Falkirk Council has acquired the their views will be shared by others as remaining interests in the block and they learn more about the new found alternative accommodation regeneration plan. where necessary. “The new economic climate meant we had to look very closely at our options, The regeneration of the centre must including the complex legal and financial also be carefully co-ordinated to issues involved. We concluded that going ensure occupants are resettled and ahead with an amended town centre demolition and reconstruction are masterplan was our best option. phased to minimise disruption.

The Highland Cows sculpture which stands on a rocky plinth was the people’s choice in a consultation staged at Larbert Library. Showing off her new shop front in Stirling Street is Stenhousemuir wraps it up florist Betty of Forever Flowers. As well as installing The sculpture, designed by leading The sculpture stands on the town The new Tryst Community Centre new shop fronts Scottish public artist Alan Potter “square” on Hallam Road, a strikingly was opened officially by Councillor Adrian in Stirling Street and cast at the Ballantine foundry in visible image at the entrance to the new Mahoney, Convener of Economic Strategy Falkirk Council has Bo’ness, was paid for with money town centre which includes: and Development who said: also upgraded the traffic lights and Falkirk Council received from the a new library ”Construction work on the new town Scottish Government’s Town Centre centre began in 2007 but of course it road surfaces at Regeneration Fund with support from new community centre took several years of careful planning, Denny Cross ASDA and developers MacDonald foodstore consultation and negotiation before that Estates. new shops, parking and, to get the regeneration of Stenhousemuir town centre right. Stenhousemuir Transformed new medical centre “It could not have happened without The transformation of Stenhousemuir was Following the successful fun-day there the tremendous help of local residents, celebrated this summer with a fun-filled was good news on the shopping front in businesses and organisations who community event to “wrap up” the town Stenhousemuir. showed patience, support and faith in centre’s £15 million regeneration project. The former Co-op building is to house the regeneration plans and in a great And the highlight of the event was a new Farmfoods store and the three future for the town.” the unveiling of a spectacular life-size large shop units opposite are set for their The final part of the regeneration cast iron sculpture of two Highland Cows first tenants soon. One of the new works - new gateway signage for the which wowed the assembled crowds, hospital bus services - the 233 - will town - will be installed soon. both young and old. include the centre on its route. Transformation questionnaire showed 95% agreed with July 2006: Falkirk Council grants Timeline all or most of the proposals detailed planning consent December 2003: Falkirk Council is March 2007: building work begins Stenhousemuir regeneration began minded to grant outline planning more than 10 years ago when Falkirk permission subject to more information Council began crafting ideas to revitalise town centres and boost the March 2004: MacDonalds submit local economy. detailed planning applications for the Early stages involved designing a Tryst Community Centre and Medical development brief, identifying what Centre property and land had to be acquired March 2005: Falkirk Council grants and finding the right development outline planning consent partner. Then the regeneration process began…. April 2005: Falkirk Council grants September 2002: MacDonald Estates is detailed planning consent for the appointed by Falkirk Council as Community Centre and Medical Centre August 2008: new Larbert Library preferred developer December 2005: ASDA announces it formally opens December 2002: town centre proposals will move into the foodstore planned September 2008: 40,000 sq.ft. ASDA are widely publicised and consultation for the new shopping centre foodstore opens held with the people affected including Council tenants, local businesses, and January - April 2006: fresh January 2009: compulsory purchase private householders. A Drop-In Centre consultation on the new masterplan order on last property acquisition is opened designed to take account of ASDA’s successfully concluded requirements April 2003: MacDonalds submit outline June 2010: Tryst Medical Centre planning February 2006: 42 out of 43 property opened interests have been bought June 2003: a newsletter publicising July 2010: Tryst Community Centre the town centre plans sent to 7000 April 2006: MacDonalds submit officially opened. local households. Respondents to a detailed planning application Falkirk Council News 6

SUSTAINABILITY Change for the better

Sustainability comes in big and of buying and trading carbon small packages at Falkirk permits in a bid to further reduce Council. greenhouse gases. Achievements to date in the Councillor Craig R Martin, Council’s Sustainable Falkirk Depute Convener of the Strategy include: Environment and Community a 5% reduction in fuel used by Safety Committee said: “We have the Council’s transport fleet put sustainability at the heart of a 2% reduction in staff travel everything we do as a local car mileage authority. This can be demonstrated by our success in £160,000 in electricity savings terms of increasing recycling rates, in 18 months thanks to the cutting carbon emissions, award-winning Carbon Crusader promoting green travel and employee awareness campaign improving the local environment a recycling and composting for our communities. rate of 42% for 2009/10 “We now have to continue with Take the Right Route, a the work already underway but sustainable travel campaign in also address the serious issue of Larbert and Stenhousemuir climate change. As individuals we producing 8,309 personal travel all have a part to play in reducing plans for residents carbon emissions but the Council as a large organisation and Core Paths Plan which includes employer is in a good position to During the project 250 miles of paths throughout deliver change. We all must do the Council area questionnaires have what we can to ensure a bright been sent out to a sustainable flood outlook for future generations,” he Larbert and management pilot project at said. Stenhousemuir residents the RSPB reserve at . Next year will see the about their travel While the Strategy is producing introduction of a duty on public habits and home visits significant and measurable bodies like the Council to take organised, where impacts across the area Falkirk action to help achieve national requested, to help Council wants to do better and greenhouse gas reduction targets people devise new, meet national targets. and prepare for the impact of personal travel plans. Now the Council has climate change. TAKE THE RIGHT ROUTE successfully applied for Carbon The current Sustainable Falkirk Trust Status to mark its continued Strategy will be updated in 2011 commitment to CO2 reduction and and a corporate climate change Pupils Take the Right Route will also have its first experience strategy produced.

Pupils in Larbert and Stenhousemuir encourage healthy and environmentally are to receive a helping hand planning friendly travel choices,” he said. safe and sustainable travel to and from Already the Take the Right Route school. campaign has installed secure facilities for A School Travel Plan Pack is being 102 cycles - bike lockers at Larbert launched to promote safe and sustainable Station, a scooter rack at Kinnaird Primary travel to school to pupils, parents, School and security hoops at local schools, teachers and visitors. Stenhousemuir Sports Centre and It’s all part of Take the Right Route, a Stenhousemuir Football Club. three-year project to encourage people to Falkirk Council’s Transport Planning Unit change their travel habits by walking and can provide advice and assistance on car- cycling more and taking buses and trains sharing, Park and Stride, Park Smart, Cycle instead of cars. Training, and Walking Buses. Each School Travel Plan Pack includes a Take the Right Route is a sustainable school travel survey and checklist as well travel initiative funded by the Scottish as guides on getting started, monitoring Government in the Falkirk Council area and and reviewing, walking, cycling, buses and six others across Scotland. responsible car use. “Changing travel habits can make a “There are so many more travel options difference to everyone. So far, we have available today that each and every one of had positive feedback to the services us has a duty to look at and use if offered by Take the Right Route and possible, sustainable alternatives when we examples of Larbert and Stenhousemuir can,” said Councillor Charles MacDonald, area residents who have changed their Convener of the Environment and travel behaviour as a direct result of the Community Safety. project,” said Councillor MacDonald. “The School Travel Plan Pack is a handy guide crammed to the brim with practical Learn more about Take the Right Route at suggestions on how schools can influence www.falkirk.gov.uk/taketherightroute or change. The guide aims to reduce the call Falkirk Council Transport Planning on volume of vehicles on the school run and 01324 504818.

ALLOTMENTS HANDOVER SUSTAINABILITY/ SCHOOL ORCHARDS Sustainable A fruitful growth lesson

The area’s newest allotments have Local pupils can expect to be been officially handed over. harvesting the fruits of their labours next year with an exciting project to Falkirk Council developed 18 new establish small orchards at 10 primary allotments in the former walled garden schools. on the Bantaskine Estate. The sustainability project will develop Now Falkirk Allotment Society members orchards in the school grounds planted who worked closely with the Council with 15 trees and bushes - eating and on the project have taken over the day cooking apples, pear, plum. to day running of the site. blackcurrant, blueberry and bramble. The allotments will include compost The ground will be planted by pupils, bins and wormeries for recycling the with the help of parent volunteers, and green waste produced on site. the project will involve the children learning about the history of orchards Falkirk Council supplied labour and in the Forth Valley area, local fruit To find out more, call us or visit materials for the project via its varieties, cultivation and pruning, how www.infoscotland.com/childrenhearings Employment Training Unit which gave to use the fruit and its health benefits. email [email protected] 01324 506117 trainees the chance to learn new skills as walls were repaired, security fencing The primary schools taking part are and drains installed and the ground Kinneil, Oxgang,Denny, , cultivated. Antonine, St Andrew’s, Bantaskin, St Margaret’s, California and Whitecross. Bantaskine will provide the model for any future allotment sites developed Planting is set to take place in by the Council. November and December. Falkirk Council News 7 WORKBACK SUCCESS Office works against waste

A project to recycle office furniture, reduce waste and give young people real work skills has brought Falkirk Council national recognition. The WorkBack Office Furniture Re-use and Recycling scheme won a Bronze CoSLA Excellence Award for the Council and its partner, the charity Grangemouth Enterprises LTD. (GEL). WorkBack refurbishes and sells office furniture to the community as well as public and private sector customers. Over the past year 263 tonnes of office furniture which would otherwise have gone to landfill, have been resold or recycled. WorkBack also offers training for young people in SVQ Level 1 in Recycling Operations as well SQA Employability Skills levels 3 and 4. The project, operated by GEL, is still in its pilot BARN OWL NEST BOX SUCCESS Countryside Ranger Lesley phase but has generated more than £95,000 in sales Sweeney cradles a baby Barn Owl, in little more than a year. one of 11 born this year in nest "The success of this exciting and innovative project A very happy event boxes provided as part of is helping Falkirk Council to stay at the forefront in International Year of Biodiversity waste reduction in Scotland,” said Councillor Charles 2010). MacDonald, Convener of Environment and Community Safety. Spring, 2010: Falkirk Council’s The owlets are all doing well, grow even bigger next year and Outdoor Rangers and the Falkirk thanks to the local Barn Owl nest box would like to thank all the "Training is an important element of WorkBack and Biodiversity Partnership are proud scheme in secret locations across the landowners for their co-operation eight out of 10 trainees are now in full time to announce a very happy event - Council area set up by the Rangers and patience in helping us to get employment, work placement, college or the birth of 11 baby Barn Owls. and the Partnership this project off the ground.” apprenticeships, with 100% of trainees having Three boxes were used as nests Barn Owls have declined across the achieved qualifications in waste management," he with three Barn Owl chicks UK by 70% the past half century, Ranger Service on 01324 504950 or added. successfully raised in two of the partly because of fewer nesting sites by e-mail [email protected]. boxes and a magnificent five chicks with many old buildings like barns - The boxes are supplied, fitted and WorkBack aims to: maintained at no cost to the land in the third. their preferred nesting places - minimise landfill of office furniture All were ringed, as was a Kestrel converted into houses. owner. chick born in another box, with the Sightings by members of the The Rangers can also offer advice maximise re-use and refurbishment of office help of local ringer Phil May, so their public have identified many Barn Owl and assistance to owners converting furniture progress can be followed. roosting sites in the Council area, old buildings where Barn Owls may create new “green' training” and skilled “It has been a fantastic experience helping to show where nest boxes be roosting. employment opportunities locally. getting up close and personal with might be beneficial. WorkBack sources office furniture from the corporate such beautiful wild birds, “said More sites are needed so if you see Find out more about International sector for resale to public and private sectors and Falkirk Council Outdoor Ranger Lesley Barn 0wls regularly or would be Year of Biodiversity 2010 at the local community and develop it for re-use. The Sweeney, who led the nest box happy to have a nest box installed in www.biodiversityislife.net or visit range of quality re-used furniture typically sells for project. an outbuilding or tree on your land, www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/develo about one third or even less of the price of brand “I hope we can make this project please contact the Falkirk Council pment/planning_and_environment new products, and all items come with a product warranty. PATHS NETWORK "WorkBack is unique in the UK as it combines environmental good practice inherent in office furniture re-use/refurbishment/recycling, with the Walk, cycle benefits to society of new, skilled, local employment creation," said Councillor MacDonald,” and allows organisations like the Council to make responsible, or ride? ethical choices by specifying, wherever possible, the purchase of locally sourced, least environmentally- damaging office furniture." If you want to walk, cycle or ride there is Visit WorkBack at now a 250-mile network of core paths to enjoy across the Falkirk Council area. Unit H, Rossco Trade Park, Grange Lane, Garngemouth FK3 8EG Close consultation was carried out with local online at www.workback.org,.uk or people and communities over the past decade and the information gained helped Falkirk contacts sales representative Jane Pitt Council devise new and improved local paths. on 07974 622377 or the slaes office on 01324 474409 "Green space is abundant across the Falkirk and see the range of affordable, Council area and we should all take advantage office furniture available. of what's sitting on our doorstep. Core paths improve access to the countryside while also helping us keep fit and healthy,” said SUSTAINABILITY/CALLENDAR HOUSE HEATING Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Convener of was created as a by-product of Leisure, Tourism and Community. generating electricity from the CHP some of the excess could be There are a number of leaflets published by Shared warmth used to keep Callendar House the Council showing walks around the area warm for visitors. which show the best places to see wildlife The project involved laying but also take in places of interest. The successful community Council. underground pipe work to Callendar House with the Paths leaflets are available at Falkirk project which gave affordable Falkirk Council decided to carry Council libraries, museums, tourist heat and hot water to the high out a feasibility study to see if connection made between Maxwell and Symon Towers and information centres and on flats residents in Falkirk’s the museum could be connected www.falkirk.gov.uk/goto/paths Callendar Park is helping out a to the Combined Heat and Power fitting a heat exchanger in the neighbour with a very much (CHP) it installed at the high House. Find out more about the Core Path Plan bigger energy bill. flats in 2006 rather than go for This meant the old boiler plant at www.falkirk.gov.uk/corepaths or contact Historic Callendar House was new boilers which was a far less could be removed and the Council Falkirk Council's Outdoor Access team. facing the choice of having to sustainable and very much is now expecting a reduction of Tel 01324 504950 or replace its ageing gas boiler plant costlier option. around 20% reduction in energy email [email protected] at a substantial cost to Falkirk The study showed that as heat use at Callendar House. Falkirk Council News 8

NEW HOSPITAL BUS SERVICES New hospital bus services

A range of bus services now link the Falkirk Council area to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert. The H3 and H4 services, which began in August, provide links to the new hospital from Grangemouth, Denny, , Wallacestone, , Skinflats and Stenhousemuir. The new bus services were commissioned by NHS Forth Valley but are open to any passenger – not just patients, staff and visitors at the hospital. Any passenger can actually use the H3 or H4 for ANY journey on the route, like Grangemouth to Stenhousemuir. A new shuttle bus is operating from Larbert railway station which is free for rail ticket holders. A number of existing bus services have also been re-routed to pick up and drop off people at the main entrance to the hospital. St Andrew’s Primary pupils get to work planting a wildlife area in Callendar park thousands of people every year,“ said Callendar Park covers more than 170 These include the 38 service which Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Falkirk acres with spectacular springtime shows runs from Falkirk and Stirling bus Council’s Convener of Leisure, Tourism of daffodils and rhododendrons as well as stations every 20 minutes, 67/76 Flagged for quality and Community. beautiful woodlands, a lake and generous service which provides links from ”We are delighted with the prestigious open space. Falkirk and Bo’ness and the 5, 6a, award of a Green Flag which recognises Part of the Antonine Wall, which x19 and 27. its quality and the work that has been gained World Heritage Site status two Callendar Park is one of the best green high standard of safety and security done to bring it up to such a high years ago, can been seen there and you Travel leaflets and timetables for standard,” he added.“ Falkirk Council is can learn more about it in Callendar spaces in the UK… and has a coveted Only green spaces which are free and the new bus services have been Green Flag to prove it. committed to improving parks across House Museum where there is a Roman widely distributed and are open to the public are eligible for a the area.” display. available in GP practices, bus Green Flag, a scheme run by Green Flag judges look for a number Outdoor activities for all the family to It is the first park in Forth Valley to win environmental charities Keep Britain stations, libraries and on the a Green Flag Award, impressing the of factors including how welcoming the enjoy include a Par 3 golf course, large Forth Valley Royal Hospital Tidy, BTVC and GreenSpace. park is, whether it is healthy, safe and play area, bouncy castle, giant slide, judges with: "Callendar Park is a well-loved, much- website its excellent use of green space secure, clean and well-maintained as crazy golf, electric cars, boating lake and used treasure, a few minutes walk from well as conservation, sustainability and acres of open grass for games and www.nhsforthvalley.com/forthvall well-maintained facilities and, the centre of Falkirk which is enjoyed by eyroyal community involvement. picnics.

Falkirk Children’s & Youth Theatre’s production of

Fri 3rd - Sat 11th Dec 2010 STEP FORTH WALKS FTH (Falkirk Town Hall) 7.30pm, Sat matinees 2.30pm (no performance on Sun) Signed performances 6th & 7th Dec 2010 Walking for fitness and fun Tickets: £7.50/ £5.50 concessions & groups More and more people are walking groups for fitness or to Hallglen - Wednesdays at walking for fitness and for fun. ease stress others take the 10am and Thursdays at Over the last three years Step chance to enjoy the outdoors and 6.30pm from the bus stop Forth has grown into one of the meet people. New friendships outside Hallglen Primary biggest walking projects in have been formed and one group School. Scotland. is even thinking about taking a Step Forth is a local walking walking holiday. - Mondays at for health initiative, funded by 1.30pm from the primary national charity Paths to Health Step Forth have weekly walks in: school. and hosted by Falkirk Council Bo’ness - Mondays 10.30am Brightons - Thursdays at which aims to encourage more and 7pm, Tuesdays at 2pm 10am from the Grange people to become active. and Thursdays at 10.30am, all Community Centre. There are now 16 walks every from Kinneil Museum, Kinneil week in the Falkirk Council area Estate. Maddiston - Buggy group on as well one for Blind Club Thursdays at 1pm from the members at Falkirk Stadium and Grangemouth - Mondays and Family Centre. four mother and baby buggy Wednesdays at 10 am and groups, set up in partnership Tuesdays at 6.30pm from All Step Forth walks are with the NHS. Grangemouth Sports Complex. advertised weekly in the local Walks are led by fully-trained Carronshore - Tuesdays and press. For more information on Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, volunteer walk leaders, lasting Saturdays at 10am from the Step Forth walks contact Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston from 40 minutes to an hour. Most Barbara McConnell on 01324- Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle Bookings Community Centre. Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by David Simpatico are in daytime but there are some 504556/504568, email: Based on the 1951 Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” and the novels “The Adventures evening walks. Camelon - Mondays at 10am [email protected] of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll 01324 506850 While some people join from the Mariner Centre. or visit www.falkirk.gov.uk. Falkirk Council News 9 What’s on steeple box office high street fk1 1nw mon-sat 9.30am-4.45pm 01324 506850 www.falkirk.gov.uk/whatson

Music Todd Gordon’s White Christmas before. Paperbelle’s world was white FTH December Thurs 16 Dec • 20:00 and blank and now for the very first Westbridge Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS The Doric String Quartet Chestnuts toasting on an open fire... time she has something amazing to Fri 15 Oct • 19:30 leading British jazz and swing singer play with - colour. Winners of the Osaka String Quartet Todd Gordon will get you in festive Competition in 2008, this quartet of mood with a sparkling show for all the Busy Bees YCAT Artists has established an family, packed with seasonal cheer. Fun Movement Classes for Under 5s international reputation.The programme £14/£12,Groups 8+ £11 Winter Term: date tbc includes music by Haydn (The Lark), Under 16s £8 Join Jennifer for fun movement classes Bartock No. 1 and Schumann No 1. for the pre school children. Busy Bees £8/Students £1 Parent/Child classes aim to develop Events children’s movement, imagination and Falkirk Festival of Remembrance creativity skills through a range of Fri 3-Thurs 9 Sat 13 Nov • 7pm dance activities and games. The class Mon 11 Oct • 19:30, Wed 13 Oct • Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows Pt 1 Featuring Bo’ness & Kinneil Brass Band does not only get your little bees 14:30 (baby friendly), 19:30 and special guests. buzzing, but enhances the relationship The Illusionist (PG) £5 between parent/carer and child. Wed 20 Oct • 19:30 Greenberg (15) Callendar House Term Fee £30 Mon 1 Nov • 19:30 Callendar Park FK1 1YR Drama Wed 3 Nov 11:00 (cuppa), 19:30 01324 503770 The Msfits Social Dance Tamara Drewe (15) [email protected] present Strictly Fun Dances Admission Free Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00 Women Tea Dance with John Findlay Behaving Thurs’ 28 Oct 25 Nov Hippodrome Madly! 14:00 - 16:00 10 Hope St, Bo’ness EH51 0AA by Rona Join us for an afternoon of relaxed Box Office: 01324 506850 Munro social dancing with John Findlay. Tea, Check dates and times - Thurs 14 Oct coffee and goodies will be available for www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome Dominic Kirwan • 19:30 purchase in our café. Sat 16 Oct • 19:30 Ever felt mad LTH • £3.50 October For over 20 years, Dominic has been enough to kill entertaining audiences all over the someone? Ballroom Dance world. His latest Country Classics tour One actress, Fri 5 Nov, 17 Dec • 20:00 showcases the best of his latest album, three Fun and social dancing for all ages and My Kinda Country, which reached No.3 characters, abilities to the live sounds of John in the British Country Album Charts. caring, Findlay on electric keyboard. A Winter Warmth £17.50 comedy and selection of light refreshments is Sat 30 Oct - Sat 8th Jan’11 compost – this is the funny new and available for purchase and the bar will Now in its sixth year, “Winter Warmth” Falkirk Bohemians Amateur Operatic poignant one woman comedy drama be open throughout. has built up a reputation for Society presents from the award winning duo who £5.50 (Advance booking £5) showcasing original, high quality art Sweet Charity brought you Fur Coat & Magic Knickers. and design work from a wealth of Tues 26 Oct - Sat 30 Oct • 19:30 Make a night of it.... cocktails and Comedy Mon 11 The Illusionist (PG) artists, designers and craft makers in Set in the 1960s, Sweet Charity follows cupcakes available from the café bar! Tue 12-Thurs 14 Scotland and the UK. the misadventures of love encountered £10/£9 Groups 6+ £8.50 Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue (U) by the gullible and guileless Charity Fri 15-Wed 20 The Runaways (15) This year, the exhibition will take place Hope Valentine, a woman who always Sat 16 Diary of a Wimpy Kid (PG) in The Park Gallery’s new location on gives her heart and her dreams to the Sat 16 & Sun 17 Bluebeard (15) the ground floor of Callendar House. wrong man. Sat 16-Mon 18 City Island (12A) £9.50/£7.50 Thurs 21 Rashomon (12A) This year’s exhibition will focus on Sustainability, highlighting quality Classic Music Live! Falkirk present contemporary design which Burns and the Auld Alliance demonstrates innovative use of Fri 19 Nov • 19:30 Julian Clary: Lord of the Mince sustainably produced materials, or has Ceol Alba: the quintet blend traditional Thurs 11 Nov • 20:00 been created using techniques which with the classical through their own Having already thrilled audiences at minimise environmental impact. unique interpretations. over a hundred sell out shows across £8 • Students £1 the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Julian has graciously agreed to extend Brunch & Lunchtime Talks Peter his Lord of the Mince tour to bring 6 Oct - 7 March (first Wed of the Morrison’s even more joy to the people of Britain month + the following Mon) Scotland on this autumn. Don’t miss the undisputed The new season of our popular history Parade Sell a Door Theatre present King of Camp in all his comic Fri 22-Wed 27 Eat, Pray, Love (PG) talks begins in October, held in the Sat 20 Nov • Dracula splendour. Ages 16+ Contains strong Sat 23 Kung Fu Panda (PG) elegant Green Room at Callendar House. 19:30 By Liz Lochead language £20 Sat 23 & Sun 14 The Leopard (PG) Each talks includes either brunch Scotland’s Thurs 21 Oct • 19:30 Thu 28 Mother (15) (Weds, 10:15, £4.25) or lunch (Mons It is twenty five years ago since Liz Ambassador Film Fri 29 & Sat 30 Tamara Drewe (15) 12:00 / Weds 13:00, £6.50). of Song - Lochhead’s stunning adaptation of As you can imagine, spaces are limited Peter Dracula, based on the novel by Bram Sat 30 Abbott and Costello (PG) + shorts but much sought after, so please book Morrison, Stoker, first burst on to the Scottish your place well ahead of time. makes a stage. This new production from award Sat 30-Wed 3 Nov The Kid welcome winning Sell a Door Theatre, invites a Wed 6 Oct, Mon 11 Oct return to FTH new audience into the gothic chill just November The Forth Front with Geoff Bailey with an all new Scottish Show just in in time for Halloween. time for St Andrew’s Day. Joining him Chat to the Creators: Wed 3 Nov, Mon 8 Nov onstage is actress/singer daughter This season, theatre fans have the Ways, Wynds & Wells of Falkirk with Jackie, Scottish fiddler Andy Kane and opportunity to chat with the creative John Reid accordionist Liam Stewart, with special team, actors and director after the Wed 1 Dec, Mon 6 Dec guest comedian Ron Dale. Add in the performance over a drink in the Lounge Grangemouth & the Grangemouth delightful Morag Alexander dancers and Bar. £10/£9 conc/groups 8+ £5 Heritage Trust with Maureen Burns the accomplished John Crawford Trio Singalonga High School Musical 3 Sat 6 Nov • 14:30 Wed 5 Jan, Mon 10 Jan and it promises to be a fantastic At Your Convenience with Allan Meek evening of real Scottish talent. Bairns! A screening of the classic film with £13 / £12 Groups 8+ £10 / Under Stillmotion in association with subtitles on-screen so you can sing Wed 2 Feb, Mon 7 Feb 16s £8 Starcatchers along to every word! Based on the Thurs 4 Winter’s Bone (15) World War I through the archives with We Dance Wee Groove latest instalment of the High School Fri 5-Wed 10 Mr Nice (18) Jean Jamieson Sun 17 Oct • 13:30 & 15:30 (1hr) Musical series, this action-packed show Sat 6 The Fox and the Child (U) £10 (Adult and 1 child ticket) Wed 2 March, Mon 7 March Christmas bursts with singing and dancing and, as Sat 6-Mon 8 The Wildest Dream (15) The Old Church on the hill with Ian Additional adults / children £5.50 usual, YOU ARE THE STARS. Thurs 11 Oh! What a Lovely War (PG) Ages 6 months - 4 and their grown Scott With free goody bags, fancy dress and Fri 12-Thurs 18 The Town (15) ups! our live host to lead you through al the Booking 01324 506850 We Dance, wee groove will take you and magic moments, you are guaranteed a Sat 13 Shorts for Wee Ones (U) Tickets booked ahead can be your tot on a dance trip of a lifetime . great time. But it’s when you, the collected on the day at Callendar . . with a twist and maybe a shimmy! audience, take over that the fun really House. With vibrant projections and inspiring begins! £10/Family £35 dance moves, meet the friendly team of dancers who’ll guide you through the Children’s ‘Count down to Falkirk Children’s and Youth Theatre’s Singalonga Sound of Music Christmas’ present musical journey that is We Dance, wee Sat 6 Nov • 19:00 groove. Sat 4, 11 & 18 Dec Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr The smash-hit musical show that has 11:30 & 14:00 & 15:00 Fri 3 - Sat 11 Dec 19:30 • been all around the world and is now Frozen Charlotte presents (session lasts 30 minutes) (Sat matinee 14:30) back in FTH. For those of you not yet Here comes a Victorian extravaganza in (Sign interpreted performances Paperbelle converted, Sing-a- Long-a Sound of Sat 13-Mon 15 Despicable Me (U) Thurs 21 Oct • 10:00 & 14:00 Callendar House’s renowned historic 6 & 7 Dec) Music is a screening of the classic Julie Sat 13 & Sun 14 Back to the Future (PG) kitchen. Help cook prepare for the A fantastic fun filled show for all the As part of our season for under 5s and Andrews film musical in glorious, full- their families, FTH is delighted to Fri 19-Thurs 18 The Social Network Christmas festivities making sweet family this holiday season. Join Alice screen Technicolor, complete with pastries and decorations. on her journey to Wonderland where present an enchanting and charming subtitles so that the whole audience Sat 20 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (PG) new Scottish production. Suitable for children 4 - 10yrs (children she meets all the crazy, colourful can sing along! Sat 20-Thurs 25 Made in Dagenham (15) must be accompanied by a supervisory characters including the Mad Hatter, Paperbelle is not happy. SO very not Fancy dress is not obligatory but highly happy that she is going to make sure Fri 26-Wed 1 Dec adult). the White Rabbit and the Queen of recommended! The Kids Are All Right (15) Tickets for this interactive session Hearts. that everyone else knows it! Then Check out our website at Paperbelle makes a discovery; Sat 27 Alpha and Omega are free but must be booked in £7.50 / £5.50 / Groups £5.50 all www.singalonga.net advance. 01324 506850 tickets something that she has never seen £10/Family £35 Sat 27-Thurs 2 Dec Mary and Max Falkirk Council News 10

Call, Click or Pop into Falkirk Council Elected Member 2010/11 Falkirk Council services 1. BO’NESS & BLACKNESS 4. CARSE, KINNAIRD & TRYST 7. FALKIRK SOUTH General Enquiries Open 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri (except public holidays) Gerry Goldie Municipal Buildings, West Bridge Street John Constable Steven Carleschi 16 Carmuirs Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS 46 Kinneil Drive, 114 McLachlan Street, Camelon, 01324 506070 Bo’ness, EH51 0LY Stenhousemuir, FK5 3HN Falkirk, FK1 4PZ email: [email protected] 01506 822770 01324 552828 01324 627614 www.falkirk.gov.uk/contact_us [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Finance Services payment line 01324 508585 Graffiti & Litter Enquiries 01324 504433 Pest Control & Dog Warden 01324 504981 Joe Lemetti Recycling Enquiries 01324 504444 Ann Ritchie Lynda Kenna 46 Sunnyside Street, Refuse Enquiries Special Uplifts 01324 504411 35 Jessfield Place, 52 James Street, Camelon, Recruitment Line 01324 590598 Bo'ness, EH51 9HU Stenhousemuir, FK5 3HS Falkirk, FK1 4BH Roads and Lighting Faults (Clarence) 0800 232323 01506 828953 01324 506163 01324 623184 or 01324 504840 ann.ritchie @falkirk.gov.uk [email protected] [email protected] Open 8am to 9pm Mon to Fri (except public holidays)

24 Hour Help Lines Charles MacDonald John Patrick Anti - Social Behaviour 0808 100 3161 Adrian Mahoney 8 Quarrolhall Crescent, Clairmont, Homeless 0800 587 4440 5 Craigallan Park, Carronshore, 11 Gartcows Crescent, Community Wardens 01324 503634 Bo’ness, EH51 9QY Falkirk, FK2 8AT Falkirk, FK1 5QH Council House Repairs 01324 590590 01324 506142 01324 556161 01324 627060 Emergencies [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] All Council Services 01324 503050 Emergency Social Work Services 01786 470500 Open 5pm - 9am Mon to Fri, 2. GRANGEMOUTH weekends and public holidays Craig Martin 27 North Main Street, Georgie Thomson Carronshore, 34A East Bridge Street, Social Work Offices Falkirk, FK2 8HW Falkirk, FK1 1YB Open 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Allyson Black 01324 558304 01324 506169 (except public holidays) 6 Maryflats Place, [email protected] [email protected] Bo’ness 01506 778668 Grangemouth, FK3 9EN Camelon 01324 501200 07872 828 940 Denny 01324 504160 [email protected] 5. BONNYBRIDGE & LARBERT 8. LOWER BRAES Grahamston 01324 506595 Grangemouth 01324 504343 Meadowbank 01324 503883 Stenhousemuir 01324 503503 Angus MacDonald Leisure Facilities 28 Burnfoot Court, Billy Buchanan Steven Jackson Callendar Park Par 3 Golf 01324 628208 Grangemouth, FK3 0AL Coach House, Lochgreen, 1 Kennard Road, Bo’ness Recreation Centre 01506 778510 01324 506139 (Office) Bonnybridge, FK4 2HA Reddingmuirhead, FK2 0HH Denny Sports Complex 01324 504245 01324 482100 (Home) 01324 815445 01324 714430 Grangemouth Sports Complex 01324 504560 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Grangemouth Stadium 01324 404950 Hallglen Centre 01324 503745 Mariner Centre 01324 503750 Polmont Sports Centre 01324 503835 Polmonthill Ski Centre 01324 503835 Alistair McNeill Tom Coleman Malcolm Nicol Stenhousemuir Sports Centre 01324 503545 70 Oswald Avenue, 128 Main Street, 7 Smiddy Brae, Polmont, Grangemouth, FK3 9AZ Larbert, FK5 3LA Falkirk, FK2 0XZ Museums 01324 489954 01324 556494 01324 719399 Bo’ness 01506 778520 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Callendar House 01324 503770 Libraries Bonnybridge 01324 503295 Linda Gow Grangemouth 01324 504699 Robert Spears 30 Parkend Crescent, Alan Nimmo Denny 01324 504242 3 Drummond Place, Shieldhill, 27 Grangeburn Road, Falkirk 01324 503605 Grangemouth, FK3 9JA Falkirk, FK1 2EL Grangemouth, FK3 9AA Grangemouth 01324 504690 01324 506275 01324 635391 01324 485261 Larbert 01324 503590 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01324 851373

Town Halls 3. DENNY & 6. FALKIRK NORTH 9. UPPER BRAES Box Office - Tickets 01324 506850 Bo’ness 01506 778560 Falkirk 01324 506174 Falkirk - Bookings/Information 01324 506177 Jim Blackwood Stephen Fry Grangemouth 01324 504339 1 Watson Place, David Alexander 39A Church Road, , 3 James Street, California, Key Falkirk Council Services Weblinks Bonnybridge, FK4 2BG Falkirk, FK2 7HT Falkirk, FK1 2BD www.falkirk.gov.uk/areaforums 01324 812489 01324 634628 01324 715704 /antisocialbehaviour [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] /bsl /communityfunding /councillors Craig R. Martin /counciltax John McNally 27 North Main Street, Gordon Hughes 73A Newhouse, Carronshore, 37 Brechin Drive, Polmont, /feedback Stirling, FK8 2AF Falkirk, FK2 8HW Falkirk, FK2 0YH /freedomofinformation 01786 479752 01324 558304 01324 883329 /findandrepair [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] /homespot /libraries /litterzone Martin Oliver John McLuckie /onestopshops 3 Rankin Crescent, Cecil Meiklejohn 11 Rashiehill Road, Dennyloanhead, 3 Castings Drive, Slamannan, /planning Bonnybridge, FK4 1RA Falkirk, FK2 7BN Falkirk, FK1 3HD /roadandlightrepairs 01324 819347 01324 638156 01324 850130 /schools [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] /specialuplifts /sportandactivities /vacancies Alex Waddell Pat Reid For information on Members /what’son Beechfield, 10 Braeview, Laurieston, 29 Road, Falkirk, FK2 9QB surgeries call Log onto www.falkirk.gov.uk Denny, FK6 5DW 01324 628379 01324 506153/59, check for details for further details. 01324 822023 [email protected] on www.falkirk.gov.uk, [email protected] or see local press for details. Falkirk Council News 11

Housing for the elderly Circuit Health and Fitness Housing What’s new choices at Circuit? If you haven’t tried the Circuit Club, what are you missing? for older …a fully-equipped fitness suite, skilled instructors, new classes, improved value memberships, children’s events and more. people You can find Falkirk Council’s Circuit at a choice of venues - the Mariner Centre in Camelon, Bo’ness Recreation Centre and Grangemouth Sports Complex. Changing attitudes towards the kind of housing older people want and the rise Membership now includes in the numbers of people over 65 is the swimming which means members subject of a comprehensive review by can enjoy the pools at the three Falkirk Council. centres. While many older people want to continue living in their family home, A sizzling new fitness attraction at some want to move to more specialist Circuit is Zumba - the South accommodation known as “Housing with American dance class with thrilling Care”. beats. Buy 10 classes and get the The Council and housing association 11th class free. partners provide three types of Housing If you are up for a new challenge with Care for more frail older people, for Circuit’s new Nordic Walking classes those who need some support and those at Grangemouth Sports Complex who can live quite independently. offer a workout designed to tone Many older people have bought their muscles and burn calories. Council homes and choose to stay where they are if adaptations are carried out Or if you want to run but don’t and support services brought to them know where to start, try Circuit’s Housing with Care has become less Fit2Jog classes, for non-runners to popular. improve their skills in a friendly Now the Council wants to hear from environment. Classes include local residents on providing housing Saturday morning. which will meet older people’s needs in the future. Circuit’s Active Kids classes - six Falkirk Council, in line with weeks every term in three age national policy, provides support, groups: Primary 1 to 3, 4 to 5, and like Home Care and Meals on 6 to 7 - are designed to increase Wheels, as well as physical aids stamina, co-ordination, strength, and adaptations, to allow people balance, team spirit and help to continue living longer in their children have fun! own homes. Active Forth, the physical activity Although the population of referral scheme at Circuit, offers people over 65 is set to have the: increased by 11% in 2012 from 2007, more people are living D.E.A.L.E weight management longer. Their health and well- programme being is also improving which new Active Forth Beat It! cardiac changes the kind of services they classes. require. group exercise classes and The Council has been looking at all its properties designated as Aquacise classes in the pool. Housing with Care to see: Speak to your GP or healthcare professional for more information. which best meet the needs of older people Find out more about Circuit Health & Fitness Club which would suit people with membership or activities - visit disabilities and, www.falkirk.gov.uk, email [email protected], or whether some should be call Grangemouth 01324 504568, returned to the mainstream Mariner Centre 01324 503753 pool of properties where there and Bo’ness 01506 778506 is high demand. “Demand for Housing with Care Housing with Care or a small flat or Housing has certainly fallen away in recent years,” bungalow where support can be provided said Councillor Jim Blackwood, Convener if they need it. with care of Housing and Social Care. ”While the “We want to raise awareness of the older population is on the rise, it’s also housing choices available for older Older people who need support true that more people are living people and we want to know their or are frail can apply for Housing healthier, more independent lives after views on the best way forward for with Care owned by either the retirement. Housing with Care provision,” said Council or Registered Social “However, while there may be many Councillor Blackwood. Landlords (housing associations). older people who wish to stay on in the Level 1 - for people who need homes they have bought or lived in for WHAT’S YOUR VIEW: help and support, including many years with the help of services like Falkirk Council wants to hear your the provision of meals Home Care, we are concerned views on housing options for older Level 2 - for people who need “Some people may be staying on in people. houses that are now too large for them some assistance with daily and are not aware that they could apply living and, Please write to Housing Strategy and Level 3 - amenity housing like for a bungalow or ground floor flat Development Team, Suite 5, The through the Housing with Care option,” bungalows and ground floor Forum, Callendar Business Park, flats he went on. “Others might improve their Falkirk, FK1 1XR or email quality of life and maintain their [email protected] independence longer by going into If you think you would benefit from moving to a house where extra support is given there is a range of properties available Fully qualified instructors available to provide from Falkirk Council, housing inductions, fitness assessments and individual associations and other exercise programmes. organisations and a leaflet explaining the options so you Teen Memberships available. can decide what suits your needs. Active Forth Physical Activity Referral Scheme. Step Forth Led Health Walking Scheme. You can talk to a trained Housing Visitor about these Excellent range of exercise classes to suit all options by contacting 01324 abilities, including Active Kids. 590790. Swimming included with all monthly Housing with Care leaflet and memberships. application forms are available from: State of the art air conditioned facilities in a the Accommodation Resource friendly environment. Centre, High Street, Falkirk Mariner Centre 01324 503753 Neighbourhood Offices / One Bo'ness Recreation Centre 01506 778506 Stop Shops or local Social Grangemouth Sports Complex 01324 504568 Work Offices or A NE FOR A' Or check online for further details from the Council’s website www.falkirk.gov.uk/circuit www.falkirk.gov.uk. [email protected] Falkirk Council News 12 The Grow Your Own Wordsearch Win a £50 shopping voucher

STAWBERRIESNRAMCGNCY POERSKHHUIEGZNXACUTE BIDNHZUUPALIRDHRADBE EAP TSNBBONIONSBREHRJ K HWNHEAATARDRIJOADYM LEE KSCRRAUKTCDATIHER B RSFBBDCTOMATOESUNSY EBRSKENXOECPTEBXJNPE GSDBCARL ETTUCECQSDAN CEAOLNPBSNTYPERPSTRN YMRTYSEIAHTDCCPDCRUN RDABBLOEGTMASNXEAGLP RONIONSNISNDERDCREJI JOOYVAGLEEKSORIANRTU N XWTCUTESENNFOLKTHED OGGEHEMITNDALIRDHRAD B EEJITSNRYMBBIEHUNDA R DRJYAI YMRUNNERBEANS RECYCLING CENTRES materials that can be taken to the electricals etc. This helps make visits The one lucky winner of our The Grow Your Own Recycling Centres with the introduction of quicker and reduces the likelihood of Wordsearch will win a £50 shopping voucher, generously separate containers for large domestic queues at busy times. provided by THE FALKIRK BID. Residents plastic items like garden furniture and Site maps are available on request from Find the following ten: Stawberries, Rhubarb, Onions, children’s toys. staff at the centres which allow you to Leeks, Potatoes, Herbs, Carrots, Tomatoes, Runner Beans The Centres have been made more user- plan your next visit so that waste can be and Lettuce. friendly with improved information via dropped off at the right section. boost new signs and recycling and waste journey Once you’ve found them simply draw a ring round them, information panels, which show what is fill in the form and send your entry to: where and the one-way system round each The new seasonal daily opening hours The Grow Your Own Wordsearch, Falkirk Council, site. at Roughmute and Kinneil Kerse, are: recycling April to September from 8am to 8pm “We are reaching and beating national Communications Unit, Municipal Buildings, and October to March from 9am to West Bridge Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS. recycling targets across the Falkirk Council area and it’s thanks to the great support of 6pm Closing date is Sponsored by local residents,” said Councillor Charles everyone visiting the Recycling Friday 26th November 2010. Local residents are substantially MacDonald, Convener of Environment and Centre is asked for proof of residency boosting the amount of waste saved Community Safety. (like a driving licence) to ensure it is from landfill by taking unwanted items ”We have already reached 42% of all used only by Falkirk Council to Falkirk Council’s Recycling Centres. household waste recycled this year - well residents. Name...... More than 63% of all the waste - like on course for the 50% target in 2013. We entry is limited to householders with unwanted furniture and electrical goods - can recycle more and, with local support, cars, cars with trailers and vans up to Address...... brought to the centres at Roughmute and our Recycling Centres will play a major 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight only. Kinneil Kerse is being recycled, helping part in achieving our aims, “he added. Find out about local Recycling Centres ...... Falkirk Council maintain one of the highest If you intend visiting a Recycling at www.falkirk.gov.uk/recycling, the Centre it is quicker and easier if you Daytime Tel No ...... recycling rates in the country. recycling helpline 01324 504444, or Now the Council has revised the separate the waste for disposal into email [email protected] Employees of Falkirk Council are not eligible to enter. The Editor’s decision is final. opening hours and extended the range of different types of materials - wood, glass,

Access Information Take a Walk in..... From Falkirk Callendar Road Grade A short, circular walk with moderate Callendar Park, Falkirk gradients. Antonine Wall There are no gates, steps or stiles on the There’s much to see and do around path. Callendar Park near Falkirk town centre. Distance 1/2 mile The Antonine Wall can be seen in the (700m). There are grounds of the impressive mansion of seats placed around Callendar House. The house has been the walk as resting restored by Falkirk Council as a visitor points. attraction and has a permanent Surface Half of the exhibition of local history. route is a stone path - half is mown grass Finding Your Way which may be soft. Start: Car park near Tea Room. Tea Room Gradient Long (See map opposite) . General moderate uphill slope Why not explore the rest of Callendar Park, from car park. Grass From Falkirk town centre follow signs for Callendar House Museum or the network of section along the Wall Callendar Park at the roundabout on forest tracks through Callendar Woods. is generally flat then Callendar Road. From Estate Avenue turn Children’s downhill towards left into Seaton Place past a number of Facilities Play Area Callendar House. high tower flats.The small car park is at In addition to the close proximity of Stone track in front the end of this road. Falkirk town centre, Callendar Park has of Callendar House is 1 From the car park follow a tree-lined many other facilities including; level. There are no path straight uphill towards the flats. steps or kerbs on this Carry on for a great view of the ditch of Car park at Tea Room route. the Antonine Wall. Callendar House and the Tea Room have toilets for patrons. (Callendar House Key 2 Where the tree lined path meets the toilets are suitable for disabled) paved path turn off the hard surface to Main Path (Tarmac) your right onto the mown grass. You are Seating and signs to help you Callendar House Main Path (Stone) now on the south of the Antonine Wall. Callendar Park kiosk, adjacent to Follow this level grass path past seating children’s play area, sells refreshments Other Paths before turning right down towards Antonine Wall Facts Bench Callendar House. Public toilets at park kiosk with disabled toilet - open 10.00 - 5.00 seven days a The most obvious feature in the park Disabled Parking 3 At the bottom of the slope simply turn week (obtain key from kiosk) or is the Antonine Ditch. Here it is Parking right along the track back to the car ‘Superloo’ outwith normal operating around 40 feet (12m) wide and 10 park. hours feet (3m) deep. Information Board

Published by Falkirk Council 2010 - Printed by Scottish County Press. Produced by Communications Unit, Falkirk Council Large print, community languages, Braille, or on audio tape, call: 01324 506056. Falkirk Council website: www.falkirk.gov.uk Falkirk Council News Budget Special 4

If you have any views, please let us know. Tough Challenges, Hard Choices ...

Earlier this year we asked the local residents for their suggestions for how the Council could make savings. 15 Should charges be made for the garden aid service? We received over 700 suggestions and these are being considered by Council managers. No decisions have The service is currently part funded by Council Tax been made as yet and we are seeking your views on what our priorities should be before Councillors make and provided free of charge to 6,000 households, any decisions. 50% of whom are owner occupiers. This form can be returned to the Council FREEPOST SCO2399 FALKIRK FK1 5WZ or filled in online at Strongly Agree Agree Disagree www.falkirk.gov.uk/budgets Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments Please tick one box per question. 8 Should the Council consider reducing opening hours for libraries, sports centres and community halls to 1 Would you be prepared to pay new or increased save money? charges to maintain and protect existing services? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion 16 Most Councils charge for all special uplifts. Strongly Disagree No opinion Households in the Falkirk Council area get two free Comments uplifts a year. Should Falkirk Council introduce a Comments charge to bring in additional income? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion 2 Would you prefer it if the Council reduced certain 9 The Council spends £5M per year supporting Comments services or stopped them altogether, rather than voluntary sector organisations. We value our increasing charges? partnerships with them but should their funding be reduced? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Strongly Disagree No opinion 17 Should increased charges be made for sport, culture Comments and community learning activities? Comments Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments 3 In future Councils will have fewer employees. This means they will have to reduce, or in some cases, 10 Free school meals are provided for all P1 pupils in stop services. Reducing jobs could also have an 16 schools in areas of greater need. Should this be adverse effect on the local economy. Should the reviewed? Council try to minimise the reduction in the number Strongly Agree Agree Disagree 18 Should floral displays and bedding plants be of people it employs? Strongly Disagree No opinion replaced less often to save money? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Comments Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments Comments

11 Birkhill Clay Mine costs £50,000 to run each year. 4 Do you think the Council should look at how If it stays open it will need significant sums spent savings can be made by better use of its public on maintenance. Should the Council consider 19 The Council subsidises less popular bus services buildings, for example reviewing opening hours, closing it? that are not commercially viable. This means that moving some services or sharing properties with Strongly Agree Agree Disagree these services continue to run. Should this funding public sector partners? Strongly Disagree No opinion be reduced? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Comments Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments Comments

12 Free swimming lessons are provided to all P5 pupils. Should these be discontinued and the money 5 More people are choosing to contact us by phone or invested elsewhere? 20 Funding is allocated to other organisations, such as e-mail rather than visit offices in person. Should we Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Town Centre Management and Falkirk for Business. review the number of local offices we have to save Strongly Disagree No opinion Should we reduce this and invest the money money? elsewhere? Comments Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments Comments 13 Should the Council reduce the amount it spends on summer play schemes? 6 It is cheaper to provide services online, rather than Strongly Agree Agree Disagree in person or by phone. Should more services also be Strongly Disagree No opinion 21 Should parking charges be increased to bring in funding? available online to reduce costs? Comments Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments Comments 14 Should the Council consider introducing and charging for a factoring system for properties in areas with a mix of Council/private owners? 7a A small number of local schools are less than 50% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree full. Should these be merged with other local Strongly Disagree No opinion Please return this form to the Council at: Falkirk Council Budget schools to reduce the money spent on school Comments buildings? FREEPOST SCO2399 FALKIRK FK1 5WZ

It can be completed online at Strongly Agree Agree Disagree www.falkirk.gov.uk/budgets or you can Strongly Disagree No opinion e-mail your views to [email protected] Comments Any other comments

7b Or should it keep them open but share headteachers? Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion Comments COUNCIL CASH CUT BY £60M OVER NEXT FOUR YEARS FACING UP TO THE FUTURE - WE WANT YOUR VIEWS

Our Challenges & Choices www.falkirk.gov.uk/budgets

housing, social care, roads, transport and waste allocation the Council gets from the collection. Government over this period. These figures will not be announced until November. All across Scotland, Councils are preparing for Introduction by Mary reductions in funding and Falkirk Council is However, work is already well underway across Pitcaithly, Falkirk actively exploring ways to cut costs. all Council services to look at how we can cut Council’s Chief Executive back spending and reduce employees costs, The Council has a budget of £350 million in which account for over 60% of our total This special section of Falkirk Council News 2010/11. Most of this is paid for through the expenditure. sets out the issues facing the Council in the grant we get from Central Government. The coming year and the difficult choices it will rest comes from the Council Tax you pay, The Council values its employees very highly have to make. which traditionally has been one of the lowest and knows how important the services they rates in mainland Scotland. For every pound provide are to our local communities. Some of the options being looked at are set the Council spends, 80p comes from the out on page four. But before the Council makes Government and only 20p from your Council The Council will have to make hard, but any final decisions, we want to hear your Tax – so any reduction in Government grant necessary decisions, over the next few years. views. has a massive impact on budgets. We want to know what the public think so that these decisions can take account of your These are very difficult times. Falkirk Council, Although the Council does not yet have final priorities so please give us your views. You can: along with the rest of the public sector in figures from the Scottish Government, it is Fill out the form on page four and return it Scotland, is facing up to a very tough financial clear there will be less money available. The FREEPOST SC02399 Falkirk FK1 5WZ climate. Costs are rising while funding is current best estimate is that we will be facing reducing, making it harder to balance Council a potential budget shortfall of approximately Fill in our consultation online at budgets and protect the services we deliver to £60m over the next four years. This is only an wwwfalkirk.gov.uk/budgets our communities – services like education, estimate and depends on the financial E-mail your views to [email protected] Falkirk Council News Budget Special 2

Work is going on under four themes: 1 Efficiency Looking at how we FIT FOR THE FUTURE can deliver the same A services at less cost NE FOR A' by making sure the Council is as efficient The Council values its e-mail rather than visiting a Officers have been speaking as possible. employees and the high Council building. That to Trade Union about Total quality services they means there is potential for options to review employees’ Expenditure 2 Income/Expenditure deliver, however the us to reduce the number of terms and conditions. Some Exploring new ways difficult financial climate local offices we have and initiatives have already been 2010/11: of bringing income means we have to balance save money on rents, rates put in place. There has into the Council or protection of our staff and and utilities. already been a voluntary £350 million reducing the amount services against the need severance trawl for This is financed by: the Council has to to modernise and deliver We may have to introduce employees over 50 and a pay out. services to our charges for some services severance policy is being 3 Changes to Services communities with the which are currently free in agreed. Jobs are only being Changing the reduced resources the Falkirk Council area but filled when it is essential. services we deliver. available to us. which are charged for by the This could mean majority of other Councils. Employees have also been reducing services or We also know there are some asked to think about flexible in some cases areas where we can work We are also exploring the working opportunities, stopping them more efficiently, do things option of a Trust for some such as career breaks and altogether. differently or in some cases services, including libraries, voluntary reduced hours, stop doing them at all. sports & recreation and arts all of which could give us 4 Workforce Planning and culture. This has the some savings which could 60% of the Council’s We know from our customer potential to save the Council be used to support essential total expenditure is survey that more and more £1m per year on rates and a frontline services. on staff so we must people now prefer to decision will be made soon. Government Grant 66% make sure we have contact us by phone or the right workforce The Council has already Non-Domestic Rates 17% of the right size and saved £600,000 a year by with the right skills restructuring the most Council Tax 17% for the future. senior management. A restructuring of middle managers is now underway and will produce further savings. Falkirk Council News Budget Special 3 New charges aim to protect the most vulnerable

A new charging policy will be introduced for a number of non-residential social care services next month.

The Council agreed to develop a charging policy for adult social care services, such as day care, care at home, meals on wheels and home shopping delivery, to cover some of the costs of providing these services. Most other Councils already charge for these services.

The policy is based on national guidance and What You Told Us was developed following an independent consultation with service users and carers. It includes important safeguards to ensure nobody Earlier this year the Council sent a customer below a certain level of income will be charged. survey to every household, along with the For example, a couple over 65 would pay Council Tax bills. nothing unless their income was over £236 per week. We asked : Is there any service or activity provided by the Falkirk Council that you think should be The capped charge for older people will be a discontinued to ease pressure on the budget? maximum of £13 per week, based on someone receiving a shopping service, house work service and MECS. The capped charge for adults under FIT FOR THE FUTURE You said : Over 700 suggestions were sent in. 65 would be a maximum of £23.90, payable only Some of the most common included: where the person is receiving middle or higher Reduce expenditure on fireworks, Christmas rate Disability Living Allowance. lights, use of radio roadshows Challenges and Increase charging for leisure activities – In the last three years alone an additional £6m including cards for unemployed & pensioners of funding has been given to Social Work budget but this has still not met demand. Demand for Reduce grass cutting, floral displays, tree adult care services continues to increase Choices… What planting significantly at a time when resources are decreasing and the Council, in common with Cancel Big in Falkirk other Councils, was faced with an unsustainable We’ve Done So Far Shorter library opening hours position. Charge for garden aid Councillor Craig Martin, Leader of the Council, The Council had to cut over £10m from its Reduce number of free uplifts said, “Independent consultation with users on a budgets in 2010/11. It did this by a range Switch off street lighting overnight/reduce fair system of charging was carried out by CVS of means including: number of streetlights and our proposals reflect this. I would stress that they reflect a contribution towards the cost Cutting the number of senior management Reduce overtime of providing these services, not the full cost of jobs by 30% to save £600,000 per year Reduce weekend working providing them, which is considerable. Reducing employee numbers through our Install more communal recycling facilities “The economic climate has deteriorated voluntary severance scheme, saving £1m this instead of individual bins dramatically and the Council will be forced to year alone Stop free school meals find savings of over £60m in the next four years. No one wants to introduce charges but we Maximising income by raising charges for Make more use of technology cannot run away from the financial difficulties some services, including sports and leisure, we face. pest control and hire of school facilities Increased use of second class mail, send letters out together Bringing in new income by introducing new “We will monitor progress of this scheme very Charge for some homecare packages that are closely to ensure that only those who can afford charges for some adult care services currently free the charges are eligible to pay and that we Reducing what we spend on external Increase parking charges communicate effectively with all our service organisations by 3% users and carers to keep them fully informed of the progress being made.' If you have any further views, please let us know. It is expected that approximately £690,000 will be paid this year as a result of the scheme. £150,000 covers: Counting the Cost One year’s support for 11 children in foster care RENTS placements These are just a few £25,000 covers: examples of what it costs One year’s care in a £250,000 covers: The Council is asking tenants to give their to provide key Council residential home for an Annual costs of providing views on rent levels within the Falkirk Council services. elderly person footwear and clothing area. grants to school children £500 covers: Servicing and All income from Council housing rents is spent on One week in a residential maintaining three Cost of landfill tax on the improving the condition of Council houses and care home for an elderly automatic public disposal on one month’s building new ones. In 2010/11 the average person conveniences for a year household refuse weekly rent is £51.57. One week’s attendance at The cost of tyres for the £500,000 covers: We want to know tenants’ views on issues a day care centre Council’s vehicles for one Running costs for five month including: Refuse collection for nursery classes for one Their rent’s value for money and affordability £50,000 covers: year seven houses for a year If they would pay more to improve housing Garden aid to five The Council’s gas bill for One year of maintenance conditions households for a year just over a week for 90 miles of road (145km) If they would pay a service charge for Maintenance of five stair Running costs of two additional services, for example cleaning lifts for disabled persons average-sized community Running costs of a major communal closes or gardening. for a year halls for one year sports centre for six All tenants will get a copy of the rent months consultation in the next issue of In the Neighbourhood, the Council’s newsletter for tenants.