January 2021

Fairmilehead Community Council - Information Bulletin – January 2021

1 Winter Weather Conditions

After all the snow of last week the weather has got warmer but is forecast to deteriorate later in the week.

The following were received while the snow was still no the ground but will be of relevance when the snow returns.

a) Information from Councillor Rust:

On 2 Jan 2021, at 19:00, Jason Rust wrote:

Hi Gareth

Happy New Year.

I am being inundated with requests for salt/grit bins to be replenished where they are empty e.g. the whole of Swanston and also Oxgangs Crescent and Aldermoor Avenue in Firrhill.

CEC Twitter is indicating Wednesday before bins will be filled? That’s obviously a few days away.

Has the winter maintenance schedule been revisited given the current closure of all non-essential shops, delayed school reopening, reduced public transport and number of people working from home, to give better weight to residential areas?

Thanks,

Regards

From: Gareth Barwell Date: 3 January 2021 at 09:39:01 GMT To: Jason Rust Subject: Re: Salt /Grit bins

Hi Jason

We are saying Wednesday as we will have the bulk of our staff back at work by then. We will have some additional staff in from tomorrow as well though (mainly from street cleansing) so I would hope we can make a start on grit bins then - obviously we need to balance this with clearing fly tipping that has occurred over the Christmas period and emptying litter bins.

In terms of the revisiting of the winter maintenance schedules, there isn’t actually much change. Whilst public transport is running less frequently, there have been no routes ceased and we therefore still need to cover the full priority one road network. This network keeps freezing up on a nightly basis recently and this means that the gritting lorries are struggling to get away from it and in to the lower priority roads (as we call them in the policy - accepting that they are not lower priority for many residents).

In terms of footway gritting, our routes are mainly focussed on health centres, sheltered housing, main local retail centres and pedestrian access to public transport terminals. Whilst there are restrictions on non- essential retail, these areas still seem to be relevant in the current circumstances.

I do accept, to a degree, that there is significantly less footfall in the city centre and that it could be said that there is scope to divert resource away from there. That said, I’m also mindful of the fact that there are over 25,000 residents that live in the city centre - many without cars - and they depend on the footway treatment for access to shops and public transport.

Apologies for what will undoubtedly seem like a ‘cop-out’ of a response but these current conditions are extremely challenging for us and there is no quick fix. I’ll aim to get a members briefing out early in the week to update on where we are with grit bin filling and diverting additional resources for footpath gritting, particularly given the potential for further snow in the coming week.

Gareth

b) Information from Councillor Arthur

Winter Weather Conditions

Operational planning for adverse weather

The gritting of Edinburgh’s roads, footpaths and cycleways are undertaken on a priority basis – Priority 1 to 3. In severe weather conditions, as we have recently experienced, our priority is to maintain the Priority 1 network to keep public transport, goods vehicles and emergency services moving. Thereafter Priority 2 and 3 routes are treated as resources and conditions allow.

Current Situation The weather conditions during January have been very challenging, in particular with ice and freezing rain on top of snow conditions coming from the north-east. Freezing rain is a rare occurrence and is difficult to predict. It is very challenging to treat as the ice forms very quickly after the rain and the rain can also wash off the previous precautionary treatments.

Since 1 January, the Roads Operation team, and colleagues from other services from Place Management, have worked relentlessly to keep on top of the Priority 1 network in the first instance.

They have put down around 1,250 tonnes of grit since then. By comparison in the full year of 2016/17, only 2,600 tonnes were required for the full six-month winter period.

It takes three to four hours for the team to cover the entire Priority 1 network following such weather. As soon as the Priority 1 network is clear and running, the teams moved on to both the Priority 2 and 3 networks as resources allow.

Treatment of the Priority 3 network was hampered by a combination of ice on top of packed snow and lower levels of vehicle movements to work in the grit and activate the rock salt. Often residents have been concerned that their estate had not been gritted when in fact it had been treated multiple times, but the grit had taken time to work though the compact snow/ice. Through January:

• all Priority 2 road routes were treated on three out of the five days • on three of these days gritters were dispatched to many of the Priority 3 routes in the higher ground areas (predominantly in the south-west). • in several instances, gritters were deployed to locations more than once in the same day as the team worked against the freezing ice.

Footpaths and cycleways

Footpath and cycleway tractors have been out alongside the roads gritters round the clock. They have treated several areas twice for increased effectiveness. Footpath and cycle lanes are harder to treat in these conditions as the rock salt is not activated by vehicles in the same way as it is on roads. This is further exacerbated by the freezing ice on top of the snow. Many of the issues raised by councillors have reflected these kinds of circumstances.

The teams then moved to treating local footpath areas and respond to customer reports as best as resources allow. Unfortunately, it is simply impossible to treat all the network daily as there is insufficient resource to do so.

This is not unique to Edinburgh and is all local authorities have a prioritisation of roads and footpaths. Colleagues from Street Cleansing, and Parks and Greenspaces also worked on bank holiday Monday (4 January) to treat key shopfronts, care homes and as many parks areas as possible. Colleagues from these teams also continue to help in replenishing grit bins.

Spaces for People segregated cycleways

Treatment of the segregated cycleways for Spaces for People (SfP) has also been undertaken where possible after the Priority 1 network. We secured three additional tractors to help with this work (funded by the SfP external funding allocation). These routes were also affected by the harder to treat freezing ice.

Impact of lockdown and shielding requirements

Staff shielding requirements as a result of recent changes in COVID guidance have resulted in additional pressure on resources. We will of course do everything we can to maintain the service. We have re-advertised for colleagues to sign up to the winter weather rota to mitigate any risk of a significant loss of workforce over the rest of the winter period.

Overnight forecast 6-7 January

The risk of snow and ice forming is forecast again tonight by the MET Office and the gritting team is on standby throughout the night to react. However, we would advise everyone to take care moving around the city in the morning as there is a risk that surfaces of the Priority 1 network will be hazardous.

The teams will move on to the Priority 2 and 3 networks as required in the morning (7 January) as quickly as possible and as resources allow.

Grit Bins

There are just under 3000 grit bins across Edinburgh and it takes considerable resource to replenish them following a sudden drop of snow or ice. Replenishment of the grit bins commenced over the weekend and is ongoing. We now have ten teams working on the replenishment of grit bins in priority order and they will continue to do so until they are all visited. This is in addition to those staff that are actively involved in undertaking gritting duties.

We have received several requests to site new grit bins from across the city. These will be reviewed and actioned, where appropriate, as quickly as we can. Officers need to review the suitability of locations and proximity to other grit bins and routes before decisions are made. You can find information on the locations of existing grit bins as well as request a new bin on our website.

Online information and contact details • Report areas that require treatment following adverse weather, email [email protected] (please note we do try our best to attend as many of these as we can). • Report a grit bin issue (including request a new one) • General gritting information • Gritting prioritisation information

2 Scottish Power Information

The following information has been received from Scottish Power regarding assistance during a power cut.

3 Pentlands Community Grants

Good Afternoon

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year. Just a quick reminder both the Pentlands and South West Funding Panels will be considering applications again this month. If you have an application you’d like considered please email it to me by the dates below to ensure it’s considered at the next meeting. If you have an idea or application you’d like to discuss please get in touch. Thanks Michael

From: Michael Edwards

Subject: South West and Pentlands Community Grants Funds

Good Morning

Community Grants are still available for this financial year for community groups in the South West and Pentlands areas of Edinburgh.

Community Grants are aimed at community groups and third sector organisations for projects benefiting the different Neighbourhood areas of Edinburgh. They are one-off payments of up to £5000 to support work towards local community priorities, more details can be found in the South West Locality Improvement Plan.

In line with this, awards may also be used to support community groups with covid related changes – help funding covid-appropriate projects or adaptations, eg. equipment to allow social distancing, or one-off payments for software that allows more people to contribute online etc. All applications still need to meet the existing criteria, but we’re keen to highlight how grants could be used in this way by groups and organisations working for community benefit.

All applicants should consider the long-term impacts of proposals, but that doesn’t mean applications which focused on making an important short term difference would necessarily be discounted. All applications will be considered on their merit and the benefit they bring to the community.

If you have an application you would like to be considered at next round of Funding Panels, please return the completed application form attached to me by: • South West - 11th January • Pentlands - 18th January

If there are funds remaining following these meeting there will be another deadline circulated for February.

Please note this only applies to the South West and Pentlands funds, if you’re looking to organise a project in a different area of the City please contact your local office. Apologies for any crossposting, if you have any questions just let me know.

thanks michael

I work Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. I am currently working from home. Tel. 07834 790591.

4 City Council Consultations

a) Thriving Green Spaces

I am writing to a number of organisations to introduce Edinburgh’s Thriving Green Spaces Project. Our team are working on a new vision for the city’s parks, green spaces, rivers, lochs and shoreline, to be captured in an ambitious 30-year strategy which aligns with Edinburgh’s 2050 City Vision and that delivers a new way of working to ensure their on-going enhancement, protection, and care. I have attached a couple of documents which explains the project further and you are also welcome to look at our website www.thrivinggreenspaces.scot.

We are keen to ensure all groups are able to have their say on the future of Edinburgh’s green spaces, we will be carrying out lots of engagement including surveys, focus groups and workshops.

Also if you would like to discuss being involved further please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Diane

Diane Cassidy Green Spaces Development Officer (Part Time: Mon-Thu) City of Edinburgh Council, Parks and Greenspaces – Place [email protected]

www.thrivinggreenspaces.scot [email protected]

b) Living Landscapes

Dear Elected Members and community stakeholders

Following instruction from the Culture and Communities Committee meeting of 15 September 2020, Parks and Greenspace have opened an online consultation about our Edinburgh Living Landscape programme 2021 with the intention of increasing public awareness and participation in the planning process. The consultation goes live on Wednesday 23 December using the council’s Consultation Hub and will run until Friday 29 January 2021.

The consultation is being circulated to all Elected Members, Community Councils, the Edinburgh Green Spaces Forum, our wider community stakeholder contacts and also via social media. We would encourage everyone to circulate the consultation to your constituents and partners to promote participation.

The consultation can be accessed here: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/living-landscapes- comments-and-suggestions

Best regards

The Parks Team

Parks and Greenspace Level 3.1, Waverley Court 4 East Market Street Edinburgh, EH8 8BG

5 Neighbourhood Watch

Vaccine Scam Warning

We have received reports that a fake NHS text message is circulating, telling people that they are eligible to apply for the COVID-19 vaccine.

When you click on the link, you are taken to a convincing fake NHS website that asks for personal details including bank account information. Any text message containing a link should be treated with caution. The best way to find information from GOV.UK, or any other agency, is to visit that particular website via a trusted source (such as through Google or Bing) and do not click on links in unsolicited texts or emails.

There have also been reports of criminals making telephone calls and asking for payment over the phone before you can attend your vaccine appointment. The vaccine is free. If you receive such a call, please hang up immediately.

These scams appear very convincing. If you think you have been a victim of fraud:

Please let your bank know immediately. If you are receiving unwanted phone calls, please let your service provider know. You may wish to consider a landline phone with inbuilt call blocking functions. These are available via some supermarkets and online stores. Contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000

For information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/coronavirus-covid-19- vaccine or call 0800 030 8013

Message Sent By Willie Clark (NHWN, National Co - ordinator, NW Scotland)

Cybercrime Warning

Computer Software Service Fraud

The following information has been circulated on behalf of Police Scotland Safer Communities Cybercrime Harm Prevention Unit.

Fraudsters are cold calling victims, or using a ‘pop up’ windows on your web browser, purporting to be from well-known IT companies or broadband providers, claiming that the victim has problems with their computers, routers, or internet connection. The criminals persuade the victim to download software to their computer or laptop and connect via a Remote Access Tool (RAT), allowing the criminals to gain access to the victim’s computer or mobile phone. Victims are persuaded to log into their online banking to receive a refund as a form of compensation, allowing the criminals access to the victim’s bank account, and the ability to move funds out of the victims account. There has also been an increase in the variety of service providers being impersonated to commit these scams.

Always remember

· Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running whenever your computer or mobile device is switched on. · Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer, because of a cold call · Do not be tempted to download programs or apps that are not from a trusted source, as they could contain malware (malicious software). · Genuine organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask you for personal or financial details, such as your Bank card PIN or full banking password. · Don’t contact companies promoting technical support services via web browser pop- ups. · Hang up on any callers who claim they can get your money back for you. · Cover your webcam when not in use. · Regularly back up your data. If your device has been infected or you have been a victim · If you have made a payment, contact your bank immediately. They can help you prevent any further losses · Disconnect your device from the network as soon as possible in order to prevent further malicious activity. · If you granted remote access to your computer, seek technical support to remove any unwanted software. If you need technical advice, look for reviews online first or ask friends for recommendations. · If you think the infection has been removed change the passwords of your online accounts and check your banking activity and report anything unusual to your bank.

For more information on how you can protect yourself online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk and www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk If you have been a victim of crime and it is not an ongoing emergency, you can report this to Police Scotland on 101. For all emergency calls, dial 999.

Message Sent By Willie Clark (NHWN, National Co - ordinator, NW Scotland)

Online Safety

This week has brought significant change, especially with schools being managed the way they are and our children and young people will inevitably be more focused on living their lives in the online world, viewing, sharing, gaming and communicating. It can be difficult to find a balance of how much time is to much time spent online but as parents and carers if we can enhance our knowledge to better protect our young people online and share that with them, that gives us some confidence that if they do experience something unpleasant or untoward, they know they can share that and be better able to deal with it.

The attached information provides useful links to some sites with information on activity packs for being online from early years through to teens. There are also links to NSPCC and Internet matters, again these sites are all full of excellent support information and guidance.

Please feel free to circulate to any friends / family who may find this information and resources of use.

Police Scotland Safer Communities Team Cyber Harm Prevention

Attachments Online Safety _ Parents and Carers CEOP.pdf - 501.9 KB

Message Sent By Samantha Campbell (Police, Constable, Edinburgh)

Bogus Callers

Dear All,

Police Scotland have had a report of possible bogus callers in the Balgreen/Saughton area of Edinburgh. Two males have attended at an address, advising they are from the government and have a bracelet for the occupier. Covid-19 was mentioned during the short conversation. Thankfully the occupier had used her door chain and advised the males that she was not interested. Both males are described as white, 35-40 years old with English accents.

If someone calls on you:

LOCK – Keep your front, back, and side doors locked, even when you are at home.

STOP – Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a door viewer (‘spy hole’) to see who it is.

CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or door bar on first if you have one. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, check identity cards carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book or online and ring the organisation to verify their identity. Do not use a phone number on the identity card as this may be fake.

Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, police, or utility company. They can also turn up as builders, gardeners, or other trades and try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work. You should never agree to have work done by someone who is just passing by or ‘cold calling’ you. If you think work needs done get at least three quotes from trusted companies. Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been checked and vetted by both Police and Trading Standards officers. Information on this Scheme can be found on: https://www.trustedtrader.scot/Edinburgh/ or by phoning 0131 513 9921.

If you think a bogus caller or doorstep criminal has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police immediately on ‘101’ (non-emergency) or ‘999’ (in an emergency).

If you would rather remain anonymous, you can report any incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further crime prevention advice go to https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep- safe/home-and-personal-property/ or contact your local Crime Prevention Officer by contacting ‘101’.

Kind Regards PC Sonja Kaiser-Ferris Prevention, Interventions and Partnership Department Edinburgh Division

Message Sent By Sonja Kaiser-Ferris (Police, Constable, Edinburgh)

Suspicious Incident - Travelling Criminal

A concerned member of the public contacted Police Scotland yesterday afternoon at midday to report concerns with regards a suspicious blue vehicle that had been sighted driving about residential streets in Kelso, Scottish Borders, with two males within.

The vehicle registration was given which relates to a blue Ford Transit Drop side lorry. This vehicle is registered to a male who is known for his involvement in Rural Crimes of dishonesty throughout Scotland and the North of England.

We are asking people to remain vigilant, check the security of their property, outbuildings, sheds and garages and to report any suspicious incidents to Police Scotland via 101. We also ask that even partial registration numbers could be noted and passed to police if known as further enquiry can be completed with such information and may also link in with other details given by other members of the Rural Alert group. Message Sent By Lynn Black (Police, Constable, National Rural Crime Scotland)

Vehicle Crime

Hello Everyone,

Could I please remind everyone to make sure their vehicles are secure and NO valuables / tools are left in them, even if hidden out of sight.

Thanks

Attachments 20.10.09 - tools in vehicles.docx - 323.5 KB

Message Sent By Samantha Campbell (Police, Constable, Edinburgh)

Parcel Delivery Scams

With thanks to Police Scotland Cyber Harm Prevention for this information

Please be aware that criminals are sending phishing emails, texts and making scam telephone calls purporting to be from legitimate delivery companies with the purpose of obtaining your personal and bank details.

The attached document has details of the scam and simple steps to keep you, your family, neighbours and community safe.

Please feel free to circulate this information through and social media groups you may be involved with.

Attachments Parcel Delivery Scams.pdf - 583.2 KB

Message Sent By Mark Armstrong (NHWN, Community Support Officer, NW Scotland)