'Community News'
Communities throughout East Ayrshire are invited to Cumnock Town Hall on Tuesday 9th December from 6.30 pm. to hear how they could benefit from the newly launched LEADER Ayrshire Programme. This launch is being facilitated by East Ayrshire Council and the East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership on behalf of the Ayrshire Local Action Group (LAG). LEADER aims to promote economic and community development that will create opportunities for all those who live in rural areas across mainland Ayrshire.
The £3.38 million funding programme runs until 2013 and will be delivered through the Local Action Group, a robust partnership of private, voluntary and public organisations. The Ayrshire LAG is keen to hear from projects that support innovative and sustainable development that will benefit their rural communities. Funding is available within Ayrshire rural settlements with a population of up to 10.000 and applications will be welcomed from community organisations and private and public bodies that are involved in local regeneration.
This is the first of many events that will take place across the Ayrshire area in promoting and increasing awareness of how LEADER can help revitalise rural communities and support in building rural community capacity. The East Ayrshire local launch will be held on Tuesday 9th December at Cumnock Town Hall from 6.30pm until 8.30pm and the North Ayrshire local launch will be held on Wednesday 10th December at Dalry Public Hall from 6.30pm until 8.30pm
For further information on the exciting new LEADER programme and forthcoming events visit www.ayrshire-leader.com or contact the LEADER team on 01292 673765 or info@ayrshire-leader.com
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Christmas arrived early for the Ayrshire Hospice when they were presented with a cheque for funds raised during Ruby's Ayrshire Hospice 5K and Family Fun Day. East Ayrshire Council's Leisure Development and the Kilmarnock Harriers raised a grand total £5,301.76 for the 5K and Family Fun Day, smashing 2007's total!
Kate Todd, East Ayrshire Health Development Officer, presented the cheque to Margaret Murray, Chairperson of Kilmarnock Friends of Ayrshire Hospice at Kilmarnock ASDA on Tuesday 25 November.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "East Ayrshire Council is delighted to support Ruby's 5K and Family Fun Day and is impressed with the amount raised for this worthwhile cause. Thanks also to everyone who took part and helped raise this amazing amount of money for the Ayrshire Hospice."
For further information about Ruby's 5K and Family Fun Day 2009 please contact Rebecca Amiel on 01563 576704.
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INSPIRING SCOTLAND ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN EAST AYRSHIRE CARERS' CENTRE
Inspiring Scotland announced last week that East Ayrshire Carers' Centre is set to benefit from an investment from its 14:19 Fund.
24 charities in total are to receive £55 million over the next ten years. The Carers' Centre is one of the charities that will receive the initial investment of the fund which is targeted at improving the lives of 14 to 19 year olds who are struggling to make a successful transition from school to the next stage of their lives. Details of the level of support being provided to charities will be announced in the coming weeks.
East Ayrshire Carers' Centre provides information, advice, support, training, leisure and social activities to carers of all ages in East Ayrshire. 650 young carers are registered with the Centre making it the largest service provider for young carers in the UK.
The Centre has invested in a property called Dalmellington House which it will develop into a residential respite centre with the vision of it becoming a sustainable social enterprise. Many young carers don't attend school regularly or leave school without qualifications. This centre will be used to provide training and work experience for young carers, offering in-house placements in the hospitality, catering, gardening, tourism and administration sectors. The 14:19 Fund investment will support these young carers to make a successful transition beyond school.
Provost Stephanie Young, who is supporting the Centre as her chosen charity this year, said: "I couldn't be more pleased that the Carers' Centre has been awarded the money and it just goes to show what a fantastic fundraiser Jane Smith, the Centre Manager, is. Inspiring Scotland must feel as I do that this charity, which is helping young carers to acquire a skill, is so fundamentally important for their futures."
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Notes
Inspiring Scotland is a way of delivering strategic, targeted, long term funding to the Scottish voluntary sector. This model of venture philanthropy has been developed using learning from work in Australia, the USA and Europe. It is the first time in the world that a venture philanthropy approach has grown from within the voluntary sector itself and will combine resources from public, private and voluntary sectors.
Developed by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, Inspiring Scotland was launched in January 2008 and will become an independent organisation at the start of 2009.
It is committed to delivering work that has a measurable impact and will be using robust evaluation to find out what is working so everyone involved can build on success and improve results.
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At the meeting of the Local Government Licensing Panel on 13 November 2008, the Panel agreed to contact all holders of Late Hours Catering Licences to provide them with a reminder in relation to the standard conditions attached to licences.
One of the conditions in particular relates to the removal and disposal of litter. It places an obligation on the licence holder to ensure that the street and pavements within a radius of 25 metres of their premises are free from litter prior to the close of late hours trading.
Strathclyde Police have advised that their Officers will be extra vigilant in the lead up to and during the festive period and should any licence holder be found to be in breach of this condition, consideration will be given to making a complaint to the Licensing Panel which could, in certain circumstances, lead to the suspension of a licence.
Such an eventuality would only be likely to occur in very particular circumstances and, should any such issue be raised, every effort would be made to resolve matters without the necessity of any formal process.
Councillor Hugh Ross, Chair of the Licensing Panel, said: "We have now given a reminder to all of the Late Hours Catering Licence Holders and we would greatly welcome their co-operation in helping to ensure that the licence conditions are observed at all times, and particularly over the busy festive period."
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East Ayrshire Council held the annual Family Open Day at the Grand Hall recently and took the opportunity to launch the Department of Educational and Social Services' new information leaflet for parents and carers entitled 'A Curriculum for Excellence'.
The leaflet forms part of the Council's Communication Strategy regarding the implementation of 'A Curriculum for Excellence' within the authority and will be distributed widely.
Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning said: "I am not just speaking as Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning; I am also speaking as a parent. We all have a shared goal and that is to do the very best for our children. The transition from our existing curriculum to this exciting new model, which will provide one curriculum for 3 -18 years, will be a gradual process and the Council's Educational and Social Services Department is committed to supporting and guiding employees, parents and carers through this process.
"Over the forthcoming sessions further information will be disseminated from the local authority but the majority of information will come from schools direct to parents or carers. In classrooms across East Ayrshire teachers are using innovative approaches to learning and teaching and are empowering our young people to achieve their full potential. This can only improve in the coming years through the implementation of this new model and I look forward to some very positive results."
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MAKE IT FAIR TRADE THIS CHRISTMAS
East Ayrshire Unison will be manning a Christmas Fair Trade stall at the Gateway Community Centre, the Foregate, Kilmarnock on Friday 28 November between 12.30pm and 2pm.
Councillor Alan Brown, Spokesperson for Fair Trade said: "This is a brilliant opportunity to buy something a bit different for friends and family this Christmas. It is also an opportunity to buy with a clear conscience knowing that the people who have produced the gifts have been paid fairly for their work. There will be gifts and Christmas cards available.
"In addition to the gifts there will be information available on organisations like Oxfam and Action Aid. Oxfam Unwrapped is a gift service where you can buy, for example, a goat for people in third world countries as a gift for your family or friends. This is a present which benefits people in real need all year round."
For more information check out www.giftsinaction.org.uk or www.oxfam.org.uk or contact Arthur on 07803 936228.
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East Ayrshire Council is making an impassioned plea to local people to stop dumping rubbish and debris illegally in the rivers and burns of East Ayrshire.
The Council's Road Division undertakes regular inspections of our rivers and burns and is regularly having to clear out artificial debris and items that have either been placed deliberately within culverts or have found their way into culverts from the watercourses.
Gas cylinders were recently found in Auchinleck and beer kegs in Kilmarnock and Newmilns. As a result of this dumping, blockages occurred which contributed to flooding problems, particularly in Auchinleck, where properties were flooded as a direct result of these obstructions.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: "I am very disheartened that local people are still illegally dumping rubbish and debris in the rivers and burns. These actions have a detrimental effect on the community locally and to nearby residents who have to suffer the consequences.
"We need our communities to appreciate the problems associated with illegal dumping and the possible flooding consequences to residents living locally."
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BIOBUS CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY
To celebrate the first birthday of the BioBus, East Ayrshire Council's Cleansing Services staff and Stagecoach West have joined forces to offer a unique "for one day only" recycling service on the Stewarton to Darvel, Service 1, bus route on Monday 24th November 2008.
Passengers are invited to bring along their old batteries, mobile phones, used ink cartridges and small electrical goods which they can then place into a recycling container on the bus. Also accepted will be papers, cans, plastic bottles and carrier bags.
A waste surgery will be held within Kilmarnock Bus station from 9.30am ? 3pm, where members of the public can meet officers to find out about the current waste minimisation and recycling initiatives promoted and supported by the Council.
Leader of the Council, Douglas Reid said: "Interest in the BioBus continues to grow from strength to strength and we are delighted to be involved in their birthday celebrations, with the introduction of a very different recycling opportunity. We will be very interested to see the results from this venture, as we seek to identify new and innovative recycling schemes for East Ayrshire residents."
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Community Planning Awards Celebrating Excellence
East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership needs your help to identify the groups and individuals who are actively involved in making a real difference to the lives of East Ayrshire's residents.
Nominations are currently being sought for the newly established Community Planning Awards which aim to recognise the commitment and contribution of community and voluntary groups and individuals, who are undertaking remarkable work within their communities.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Chair of East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership said: "The vibrancy and wellbeing of the communities in which we live owes much to the work undertaken by the community and voluntary sector and by the individuals who offer support, guidance, information and hope to so many. Community Planning Partners would like to acknowledge this dedication through the Community Planning Awards. We look forward to receiving many nominations in each of the seven categories and honouring the winners at the Awards Ceremony on 26 March 2009."
Award categories include:
? Promoting Community Learning ? for groups or individuals involved in supporting and building the capacity of local community and voluntary based organisations to ensure that both learning and volunteering opportunities are available to meet the needs of individuals of all ages and improve the quality of their lives.
? Improving Opportunities ? for groups or individuals involved in facilitating access to opportunities, including employment, education, skills development and recreational and leisure opportunities.
? Improving Community Safety ? for groups or individuals whose activities contribute to a reduction in levels of crime, particularly violent crime, and anti-social behaviour, and make neighbourhoods and homes in East Ayrshire safer places to live, work and play.
? Improving Health ? for groups or individuals whose activities contribute to improving the health of the whole population and address inequalities in health between the most and least disadvantaged in our communities.
? Eliminating Poverty ? for groups or individuals whose work addresses issues such as financial exclusion, homelessness, fuel poverty and caring.
? Improving the Environment ? for groups or individuals involved in activity which serves to protect, preserve and enhance East Ayrshire's natural and built environment.
? Partnership Award ? for groups or individuals who have demonstrated notable innovation or excellence in their field.
Nomination forms can be found online at www.eastayrshirecommunityplan.org and at your local library or local council office. Alternatively, you can contact the Community Planning and Partnership Unit on 01290 428340.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 19 December 2008.
The commitment and contribution of the groups and individuals selected by the judging panel, will be celebrated at the first ever Community Planning Awards Ceremony at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on 26 March 2009.
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CUMNOCK CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL
Residents of Cumnock are being encouraged to express their views on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal report produced by East Ayrshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Staff.
The report details what the conservation area is and makes recommendations for alterations to the conservation area boundary.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: "Cumnock is clearly an area of architectural and historical importance worthy of preservation and improvement. The Council is reassessing the conservation area as part of the regeneration of Cumnock Town Centre. It's important for people to let us know what thoughts they have about the report while it's at the draft stage so that we can take account of all residents' views. We are committed to involving communities in decision making about their local area. The report will inform decisions on the wider regeneration proposals for Cumnock."
Letters and comments forms have been sent to all residents in the conservation area so that they can make comments on the report.
Copies of the draft Conservation Area Appraisal report, comments forms and reply envelopes are available at:
Cumnock Library, Ayr Road;
East Ayrshire Council Housing Office, Ayr Road;
East Ayrshire Council Community Planning Office, Barrhill Road;
East Ayrshire Council Registrar's Office, Millbank;
East Ayrshire Council Offices, Lugar; and
The council's website via www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk under the Other Announcements section.
Exhibitions will be displayed in Cumnock Town Hall, Visions Leisure Centre and the Cumnock Town Centre Regeneration Project Office in Glaisnock Shopping Centre between Monday 24th November and Sunday 30th November. Residents can discuss any issues they have with a member of staff on Tuesday 25th November at Visions Leisure Centre and Thursday 27th November at the Town Hall between 3pm and 8pm.
The consultation period will run from 10th November until 12th December and comments should be returned by Wednesday 17th December to:
Head of Planning & Economic Development,
East Ayrshire Council,
Department of Corporate Support,
Planning & Economic Development Division,
6, Croft Street,
Kilmarnock,
KA1 1JB
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FENWICK PRIMARY PACKS BAGS FOR FUNDS
A group of ten children from Fenwick Primary School recently boosted funds by organising a bag-packing session at the local Morrisons store, and Provost Stephanie Young called in to help. A group of ten children from Fenwick Primary School recently boosted funds by organising a bag-packing session at the local Morrisons store, and Provost Stephanie Young called in to help.
NEW WALKING GROUP LAUNCHED IN CUMNOCK
The sun smiled for the launch of the new C.A.T.C.H. Walking Group, in Cumnock, as Councillor Kathy Morrice, East Ayrshire Council's spokesperson on Community Wellbeing, joined the first participants on their walk.
RAISING STANDARDS OF SUPPORT FOR OUR CHILDREN
The views of young people in care, and the dedicated people who look after them, have helped East Ayrshire Council develop two new publications aimed at raising awareness for children who live in foster families now, or in the future, as well as foster carers themselves.
The views of young people in care, and the dedicated people who look after them, have helped East Ayrshire Council develop two new publications aimed at raising awareness for children who live in foster families now, or in the future, as well as foster carers themselver>
The Carers' Handbook provides comprehensive guidance on how to be an effective carer and was developed in consultation with people who are already experienced foster and adoptive parents. It pulls together all the information needed to ensure that everyone feels secure about what is expected of them and helps ensure that the standards of care are consistent throughout the area.
Not to be outdone, a group of young people in care have developed a DVD aimed at children and young people who are about to join new foster families. They have drawn on their own experiences to put together scenarios that answer many of the concerns and questions young people feel when becoming looked after and accommodated.
The DVD was a great learning experience for the youngsters as they were involved in activity days, drama workshops and had the opportunity to record songs, which they composed themselves, in a studio in the course of putting the production together. It will be shown to young people coming in to care and will also be shown to carers as a means of highlighting the worries their young charges may have, but be unwilling, or unable, to voice.
Councillor John MackKay, spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: "Both of these initiatives have been driven by the Council's desire to continually improve its standards of care for our children. I believe the will be effective because they have been suggested and developed by the people who will use the services ? either by receiving or providing care and support.
"I am however, amazed by what the young people have achieved with their DVD, not only because of their creativity, but also for their determination to support their peers through what they themselves may have found to be a difficult stage in their lives."
East Ayrshire is constantly looking for families from all walks of life with a variety of life experiences. Formal qualifications are not required and as each child is a unique individual with different needs, we welcome interest from individuals as well as couples. Anyone interested in fostering and adoption should telephone 0800 434 6633 or visit the website www.fosteringandadoption.org.uk.
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Provost Stephanie Young enjoyed a day out at the seaside recently when young Daniel and Paula Butcher gave her a guided tour of the new and refurbished fleet of caravans operated by East Ayrshire's Holiday Project.
OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN TOWN TO SUPPORT BRAVEHEART RIDE
Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy was in Kilmarnock on Saturday to support the 2008 Braveheart Fundraising Ride.
From the 1 December 2008, houses for sale have to be marketed with a Home Report. The Home Report contains three documents, a Single Survey, an Energy Report and a Property Questionnaire.
New Campaign Announced To Tackle Underage Sales
South Ayrshire Council Trading Standards Service have announced a major new campaign ’Tackling Underage Sales Together’ to remind businesses of their responsibilities in making sure that age restricted products are not sold to under age persons.
A Time To Remember Your Loved Ones
A Christmas Memorial Candlelight Service will be held at South Ayrshire Council’s Masonhill Crematorium at 3.30 pm on Sunday 14 December 2008. The whole community is welcome.
Business Studies Students Face The Dragons
Higher Business Management students from six South Ayrshire Council schools faced the ’Business Dragons’ at the National Air Traffic Control Centre in Prestwick in a Business Management Challenge.
Martha and John McNee, who both originate from Ayr, and still live in Ayr, have had a great time celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary.
Golf Club Pitch In With Recycling
South Ayrshire Council’s Waste Management section, Troon Municipal Golf Club and Ayr based Ekko Glass Recycling have pitched in together to improve the Council’s glass recycling rate.
Housing Repairs Service Now More Convenient
South Ayrshire Council tenants can now contact the Council to arrange an appointment for internal routine repairs to their homes by a Joiner, Plumber, Plasterer or Electrician.
Be A Savvy Shopper This Christmas
If your past Christmases have been ruined by the turkey not turning up on time, the must-have gadget that’s dead on arrival, or the jumper that’s four sizes too big, Trading Standards’ message is, "Be a savvy shopper this Christmas".
End Violence Against Women And Children
Are you a woman or a child who lives in fear of violence and abuse of power in the home?
Communities throughout South Ayrshire met at Maybole Town Hall to hear how they can benefit from the newly launched LEADER Ayrshire Programme.
European Mobility Week Prizewinners
During European Mobility Week in September local authorities and many other organisations across Europe implemented projects to raise awareness of environmentally friendly ways of travelling to and from work.
The Ayrshire launch of a European funding initiative, promising £3.8 million of funding for rural areas, is set to take place on 18th November - with local launches taking place in East, North and South Ayrshire in the following days.
Could You Be An Enhanced Foster Carer?
South Ayrshire Council is looking for some very special people, who would be willing to become Enhanced Foster Carers and look after children or young people whose families are unable to care for them.
Council’s £2.8 Million Donation Brings Burns Museum A Step Closer
South Ayrshire councillors have voted to donate the birthplace cottage, other heritage assets and all the land where they are located, to the National Trust for Scotland.
Council Apprentice Is Joinery Student Of The Year
An apprentice joiner from South Ayrshire Council has scooped a top honour on his college training course.
On 29 October 2008 a 46 year old Dailly man was fined £600 at Ayr Sheriff Court following a guilty plea to charges under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Fairway Forward Golf Initiative
Seven young people took part in their first 18 hole golf competition at Roodlea Golf Course, as part of the fifth Fairway Forward Golf Initiative.
Finance Secretary pledges to eat only Scottish food for the next seven days.
St Andrew's Day touched by Burns
First Minister hosts reception to launch new book on influence of Burns.
Publication of the NHSScotland annual report.
Caledonia anthem leads television advert for Year of Homecoming.
More access to Scotland's People
Initiative makes it easier for library users to access family history information.
New Justice of the Peace Courts across Tayside, Central and Fife.
Banks must now pass on the benefits to customers - Finance Secretary.
Fishermen urged to apply for financial aid for the maintenance of safety equipment.
A number of bodies scrutinising public services will be abolished or merged.
Measures to help housing access
Steps to prevent shortages of affordable housing in Aberdeenshire 'pressured areas'.
Health boards to get extra funding to help bring down patient waiting times.
Cabinet Secretary condemns Europe's 'unrealistic approach' to pesticides.
First Minister says new US President represents victory of optimism over pessimism.
Annual report by Chief Inspector of Prisons
Report highlights overcrowding and the imprisonment of under 16s as key issues.
United approach can reap rewards.
Tayside Police is pleased to announce the promotion of Superintendent Donald Archibald to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent. Born in Glasgow, Donald is a former ...
Officers of Tayside Police's Search & Rescue Unit came to the assistance of a white collie dog that slipped and fell 20-feet down a cliff in ...
Rival HBOS bid 'will emerge within week'
Details of a rival bid for West Yorkshire-based Halifax Bank of Scotland could emerge within days, Scottish politicians have claimed. SNP MSP Alex Neil said he was confident that within the next week there will emerge another bid for the bank, which also has headquarters in Edinburgh.
Petrol prices fuel a boost for FirstGroup
BUS and rail operator FirstGroup has reported an "excellent" first half of the year, as more people switch from their cars to public transport. It reported group revenue was up by 56.5 per cent, and adjusted operating profit rose 75.8 per cent in the six months up to September 30.
'Yes, we can' Scots and Americans celebrate Obama win
In Edinburgh, Gregor Dodson, from San Francisco, watched at home with his wife after trying to get into the university's student union to watch, but it was too full. "It's a massive place and it was packed with non-Americans. It's amazing."