Focus Spring 09

s Sport e Villagl

Focus

STIRLING

new

specia

for everyone living in the Stirling Council area

spring 2009

What a beautiful noise!

Life-changing music-making

in Raploch Leftovers?

new food waste collections Standing up to the

Downturn

performance at

Stirling’s new Sports Village Win a year’s free membership

delivering quality services 0845 277 7000 stirling.gov.uk

In this issue we’ve also tried to include as much information as possible about sources of support, advice and guidance during the current economic downturn. The key message is please don’t delay getting in touch if you’re worried about paying your rent or Council Tax. Our Housing Options Officers (see story on page 25), Council Tax team, Money Advice experts and others are here to help.

Elsewhere there’s news about plans for our website, the lowdown on making the most of food waste, and some great photos of Raploch children joyfully making music as part of the terrific Sistema Scotland project – a first for Stirling.

Enjoy Focus.

Contact us For all Stirling Council services phone the contact centre on:

& 0845 277 7000 text: 07717 990 001 www.stirling.gov.uk 8 To:

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Stirling Focus is published by Stirling Council and delivered by the Royal Mail’s Door to Door service. It costs approx 21p per copy to print and distribute.

The winner of the Hogmanay Ceilidh Competition in our last issue was Janet Smith of Stirling.

Copyright © Stirling Council 2009. No article or photograph in this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of Stirling Council. Details are correct at the time of going to press.

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If you haven’t had a chance to visit The Peak at Stirling’s new Sports Village yet this issue of Focus gives a taster of all the fantastic facilities waiting for you. You could also win a year’s free membership in the competition on page 15. I hope you find our 4-page guide on pages 13-16 and the website at www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak useful.

[

STIRLING FOCUS

HELLO

Tel 01786 443360 email stirlingfocus@stirling. gov.uk or write to Stirling Focus, Communications and Marketing, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET.

If you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 8232.

0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000

Spring 2009

We’re looking at how to get young people Regulars

more involved in local democracy and

2 What’s on

citizenship

33 Your councillors

(Youth Voice: see page 26)

34 Spotlight on your services 34 Number crunching

Contents

6

1

Your community cops

13

18

22

All about The Peak @ Stirling’s new Sports Village

Routes to your roots

10

A special 4-page pull-out.

Any volunteers?

Let’s be having your leftovers

Feature Stories 7 Meet the Area Commander

27 European elections on 4 June

8 Stirling Arcade’s bright future 12 Working on the web 20 Standing up to the downturn 24 Lowdown on the Local Development Plan 25 Know your housing options

Cover photo: Active Stirling‘s Ed Hides, Outdoor Activity Co-ordinator, reaching the heights at the Peak!

Let the children play see pages 4 - 5

A selection of attractions in the Stirling Council area.

For full details visit www.stirling.gov.uk/whatson

Box Office 01786 473544

Roger Dean sings The Johnny Cash Story

www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls Friday 1 May, 7.30pm

2

Scots Guards – A concert tribute in aid of the Colonel’s Fund The Regimental Band of the Scots Guards and the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion the Scots Guards. Tickets £12/£10 Saturday 2 May, 10 am

Scotfairs Antique & Collectors Fair 1000’s of interesting, beautiful and affordable items for everyone. Will be back on Sat 13 June & Sat 4 July £1

Friday 15 May, 7.30pm

If you saw Walk the Line you won’t want to miss this. Tickets £12/£10

Wed 6 May and Wed 3 Jun, 8pm

Jazz Singers’ Open Mic Nights

Abba The Show

Thu 7 May, 8pm

A stunning 2 hours taking you back to the days when flares were all the rage and glitter was great!

Tickets £15/£13.50

The Chris Stout Theory with special guest Thomas Rohrer Chris’s stellar quintet plus a guest from Brazil. www.chrisstout.co.uk £12/£10 Sat 16 May, 8pm

Stairwell Sisters

Sunday 24 May, 7.30pm

Friday 29 May, 7.30pm

Memory Lane 2

✽

Wednesday 6 May, 7.30pm

A stunning musical journey from Music Hall to the 40’s up to the 70’s.

Tickets £11/£9

Eddi Reader & Special Guest

Thursday 2 July, 7.30pm

A former vocalist with Fairground Attraction and now a highly successful singersongwriter in her own right.

Tickets £17.50 + Booking Fee

An Audience with Sally Morgan

In the last concert for the orchestra’s 25th season, enjoy a traditional classical programme.

Tickets £8/£6/£2 Accompanied schoolchildren

www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth

Saturday 23 May, 7.30pm

What happens when you lock up a Celtic fan with a Rangers fan on the day of an old firm match? Fireworks!

Tickets £12/£10

Stirling Orchestra

Box Office 01786 27 4000

Take to the stage with a live jazz band as you belt out the standards. www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth £5/£3

NLP Theatre presents Singin’ ‘I’m No A Billy, He’s A Tim’

Sunday 10 May, 7.30pm

Tolbooth

The psychic to the stars on national tour for the first time. Tickets £19.50

Combining the energy of rock music with the old-time sounds of fiddle, banjo and slide guitar. www.stairwellsisters.com £12/£10 Thu 21 May, 8pm

Lisa Knapp & James Yorkston Two amazing alt folk musicians. www.myspace.com/lisaknappmusic www.myspace.com/jamesyorkston £12/£10 Fri 22 May, 8pm

Hans Theesink Hans is one of the world’s leading country pickers, and his warm baritone expresses the blues like no other. www.theessink.com £10/£8 Sat 23 May, 8pm

Lau A formidable union of three of the top modern traditional musicians in Scotland today. www.lau-music.co.uk £14/£12

Lau

ALBERT HALLS

Stairwell Sisters

STIRLING FOCUS

✽ ✽

✽ What’sOn

Spring 2009

Fri 29 – Sun 31 May

Le Weekend Stirling’s annual visit into the world of no limits music. www.leweekendfestival.com

Thu 4 Jun, 8pm

Nuala Kennedy, Voyage De Nuit Traditional Celtic music meets the rhythm of flamenco and the harmony of jazz. www.myspace. com/travelatnight £10/£8 Wed 17 Jun, 8pm

Session A9

Stirling Ranger Service 01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm) www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside Booking is essential for some events.

Sunday 28 June, 2 - 3.30pm

For all our countryside events, including volunteer days, children are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Hunt the Haggis

✽

Scotland’s Supergroup has been thrilling audiences throughout the UK as a top tunes band. www.sessiona9.com £10/£8 Sat 27 Jun, 8pm

A Hawk and a Hacksaw A blend of mariachi, folk and a dozen other influences from the Broadcast collaborator Jimmy Barnes. www. myspace.com/ahawkandahacksaw

Sunday 3 May, 10am - 3pm

www.stirling.gov.uk/changingroom 2 May – 6 June

The New Spirit Happening A Solo exhibition by Julian House, cofounder of Ghostbox, best known for his graphic design for Oasis & Primal Scream.

2 May – 4 July

How Children Learn A cumulative exhibition by Stirling based artists Rue Five and David Galletly.

Meet outside the Wallace Monument Visitor Centre. Help the Countryside Rangers hunt for a most elusive Scottish mammal ...

Whangie Wheeze

Sunday 5 July 12, noon – 3pm

Meet at Queen’s View car park (off A809, 7km (4miles) north of Milngavie). The path to this local landmark needs some TLC – can you help?

Monumental Clear Up Meet at Wallace Monument Visitor Centre.

Sunday 17 May, 10am-3pm

Good Dog!

Build a Boardwalk – Killin Meet at the Council Car Park at the old station, Killin. Help install a recycled plastic boardwalk.

Places are free but limited – advanced booking is essential.

Sunday 24 May, 1pm - 4pm

Biodiversity, Beginners to Boffins at the Tolbooth Box Office 01786 27 4005

3 through the woods (off Caltrop Place/ Claymore Drive, Broomridge). Wear something nettle-proof!

Plean Country Park. Meet at the picnic area. A fun day for all the family with games, activities and more.

Sunday 7 June, 1pm - 4pm

Navigation for Numpties Meet at Macrobert, Stirling University.

Making maps work. Come and let Access staff and Active Stirling show you how to find your way.

Sunday 14 June, 12noon – 4pm

Balquidderock Wood Countryside Action Day Meet at bottom of the central path

Sunday 12 July, 10am - 2pm Plean Country Park. Celebrating our four-legged friends and their wellbehaved owners.

Saturday 25 July, 1 - 4pm

Big Bug Hunt!

Meet at Plean Country Park Car Park.

Free family fun. Learn about butterflies, bees and other bugs.

Sunday 26 July, 10am – 3pm

Strathblane A chance to give something back to the local environment by giving some time and energy to a part of Strathblane in need of some TLC. Watch for the posters nearer the time.

Sunday 2 August, 1 - 3pm

Water and Woodland Weirdies Meet at the composting site, Burnside Wood, Kippen. Explore the watery world of pond dipping and meet the weird, wonderful creatures of the woodland.

STIRLING FOCUS PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

4

Sistema Scotland

Making a big noise in Raploch Focus meets sistema scotland director nicola killean NICOLA WITH NICOLE FROM RAPLOCH PRIMARY SCHOOL: ENJOYING MAKING A BIG NOISE

Nicola, who are Sistema Scotland?

We’re a national organisation which hopes to start children’s orchestras in communities around Scotland.

Raploch is the first of these, and the orchestra is called Big Noise.

Why Raploch?

With all the physical regeneration that was happening here we felt the community was ripe for some new and innovative social regeneration. The principles of Sistema Scotland were perfect for the new vision for Raploch.

Why are children’s orchestras so important in these communities?

By playing in an orchestra children learn to respect themselves and each other. An orchestra only works if everyone plays their part. We

use the music lessons to teach the children life skills. So it’s about a lot more than just music – but the music is pretty good too!

How’s the Big Noise going?

We work every week with around 200 children from Raploch Primary, Our Lady’s Primary, Castleview Primary and the Nursery. The oldest 40 or so are now playing together in a string orchestra on violins, violas, cellos and basses.

It’s amazing how good they have become in just one year.

Are the children enjoying it?

They’re having a great time! The music is coming along wonderfully, but they are also picking up a lot of confidence and social skills.

What do parents think?

We had a session to give parents a

go at the same instruments as their children are learning. It was great fun, and I think the adults gained a lot of respect for their children. It’s not as easy as it looks!

Tell us about the most rewarding thing that’s happened.

The children have performed on stage a few times now – including at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh.

Every time I see them playing in front of people, doing Raploch, themselves and their teachers proud, it really brings a lump to the throat.

Any funny stories?

The other day I heard two children in the street arguing about what size a cello is. Not really a typical topic for conversation before the orchestra was here!

spring 2009

5

What’s next for the project?

We want to continue building on the success of the string orchestra in Raploch, and expand the range of instruments involved until there’s a full symphony orchestra. It’s exciting to think that in a few years there may be some exceptionally musical teenagers coming out of Raploch.

left: nicola with luke, tommy and nicole

What’s your favourite piece of music?

I like Debussy’s La Mer and The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow.

A Big Noise orchestra is terrific fun. Children want to be involved. Everyone is accepted and has a place. Children are never turned away.

every child is welcome to join in the musicmaking

ive the regular ce re to r te is g e R Big Noise electronic newsletter at

www.makeabignoise.org.uk

STIRLING FOCUS PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

6

Getting to know your community constables Community policing teams are dedicated to providing a high quality of service to local people. Crime is tackled robustly, and with a real emphasis on prevention.

A network of community constables – each with their own web pages to keep local people up-to-date – covers the entire area. Newly-launched policing priorities known as PACT (Police and Communities Together) ensure that the problems which communities face are targeted effectively.

“I’ve been delighted to see levels of crime drop across

the Area Command, although clearly we still have issues within communities with antisocial behaviour - usually fuelled by alcohol,” says Stirling Area Commander Superintendent David Flynn.

“The priority has been to enhance community policing, and I have committed additional officers into the three teams which cover the Council area.

“I want everyone to get to know their community cop, because although the rest of my officers will attend to urgent calls, it’s the community teams together with our partners - which will work at solving longer-term issues.”

focus facts • You’ll find the PACT webpages for your local community at www.centralscotland.police.uk/ localpolicing

spring 2009

Working in partnership with ...

CENTRAL SCOTLAND POLICE

superintendent

flynn

Determined to make Stirling the best it can be The police officer in charge of keeping law and order in Stirling has more than just A professional determination to keep local communities safe – it’s personal for Superintendent David Flynn.

Stirling-born David grew up in the city and went to school at Riverside Primary and Wallace High. He still lives here with his wife and three sons. David describes the post of Stirling Area Commander as his “dream job”.

“This is a fantastic opportunity – working with police officers and our partners to improve things for Stirling”, David told Focus.

“For me, the beauty of working in this community is that residents, elected members, officers and staff across Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling University, Forth Valley College and voluntary agencies all really care.

“We all want Stirling to flourish, grow and be what we all know it to be the best place to live in Scotland.

“The promise I give is that the policing team across Stirling Area

Command – which covers the entire Stirling Council area - will continue to do all we can to make Stirling the safest and strongest community it possibly can be.”

Working together “The Single Outcome Agreement charges all partners with working together to deliver on community priorities,” continues David.

“That’s why it’s so important for my officers and staff to be out there, in communities, listening to what people are saying and tackling issues that blight the quality of life for some people in the Stirling area.

Community Safety Partnership “I’m particularly proud to chair the Community Safety Partnership, which brings together the key bodies and works to make Stirling’s communities safer and stronger. “

ders Community Service: offen paying back to the community

Community Service is a sentence imposed by a court as an alternative to prison. It allows the offender to go towards paying back the community for their crimes by carrying out unpaid work for charities and community organisations or groups. The placements can help offenders to learn and develop new work skills, improve their employability and move away from crime.

Examples of payback include ground clearance work, recycling, painting and decorating and gardening projects. If your community group or project could benefit, please contact: Helen Grinly, Team Leader, or Norrie Gilmour, Criminal Justice Service, First Floor, Wolfcraig Building, 1 Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2LQ. Tel 01786 463812 email grinlyh@stirling.gov.uk Projects that have already benefited from community payback are: • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park • Bandeath Dog Shelter • Logie Kirk.

7

STIRLING FOCUS BETTER SERVICES

8

t, s a p ’s e d a c r A Stirling present and bright future it’s A city-centre landmark with a new lease of life. there’s bags of shopping to be done in the stirling arcade.

The new owners are investing in the business and also helping retore the Arcade’s visual appeal.

Refurbishment projects take more time than new build, but the Arcade is headed for a brighter future.

CITY CENTRE MANAGER, ANDY KENNEDY.

Ever since opening its doors nearly 130 years ago, the Stirling Arcade (formerly known as the Crawford Arcade) has been a familiar city centre landmark, visited by generations of local people and visitors. The shop-lined Victorian covered walkway linking Murray Place and King Street has witnessed many changes over the years, but its charm has endured.

Last November the current owners pledged their commitment and financial resources to seeing the Arcade become a thriving part of the city centre once again. Stirling Council and the Stirling: Scotland’s Heart brand are giving marketing support to the project.

“The proposed developments won’t happen overnight”, says Kevin Moore, co-owner of the Arcade. “But we’re in this project for the duration and we’ll see it through to completion. The Arcade is part of Stirling’s heritage.

It’s a beautiful, almost forgotten gem in the heart of the city, with a special place in local people’s hearts.”

Internal refurbishment has now been completed at a cost of more than £500,000. Phase Two will focus on restoring the facades and stonework at the two entrances and installing new external signage and lighting. The final phase will see the renovation of the old Alhambra Theatre – possibly to create a small cinema, function suite or conference facility.

spring 2009

focus facts

Send in your stories Do you have Stirling Arcade stories and memories?

The management team is working with local historians to create a Stirling Arcade archive. Photos, articles, anecdotes and paraphernalia are being gathered to produce a complete story of the Arcade’s life. The team would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact: Rosie McLaren, Stirling Arcade’s PR Manager on 01259 211414 or write to her at The Stirling Arcade, King St, Stirling FK8 1AX www.stirlingarcade.com Photos by kind permission of Stirling Libraries Service

9

Nina leishman from old plean is a member of Stirling Council libraries Housebound Reading Group and receives a new book

PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

• China merchant and town councillor William Crawford built the arcade between 1881 and 1882.

• The original Crawford Arcade included 39 shops, the Douglas Hotel and a large Temperance Hotel as well as the Alhambra Theatre.

• At the start of the 1900s the Arcade was home to businesses including a rubber goods store, large draper saloon, tea merchants, jewellers, licensed house and billiards hall.

A new kind of reading group for Nina

every fortnight, delivered by volunteer Alisdair Douglas.

However this is a reading group with a difference - the members meet up in cyberspace to compare notes on each title.

Once she has finished her book Nina logs on to a forum set up by the Library Service and shares her thoughts with her fellow members.

“When you’re able-bodied you maybe tend to take for granted things like going out, choosing your own library books and picking what you want when you want,” says Nina.

“The Library Service know the books I like. They’ll also bring me new books when I request them. And now I can discuss the books I’m reading with other people in the same position as me.

“I’m looking forward to when the project is fully up and running and we all get online and can share our thoughts with each other.”

The Housebound Reading Group is just one of many groups designed to allow users to discuss the books they are reading and enjoy the community feel of a reading group, as well as providing a social forum for readers who are unable to meet up physically.

When members join the service they get a laptop and broadband wireless connection. Stirling Council’s Library Service won funding for the project from the Scottish Library and Information Council. Recent books reviewed by the group include Winter In Madrid by CJ Samson, The Night Watch by Sarah Waters and The Promised Land by David Hewson.

tlin ntact Liz McPar For more info co Access Services on 01786 432391

or visit www.stirling.gov.uk/libraries

STIRLING FOCUS 10 PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

volunteer development scotland chief executive george thomson congratulates lynne gibbons and the adult learning team on their achievement

We’re investing

in volunteers Stirling Council welcomes and values volunteers, who work alongside our employees in many areas.

It’s great to see people are getting involved in their communities as volunteers.........

2009 is a special year for everyone involved in volunteering in our area.

In the spring Stirling Council’s Adult Learning Team became the first council service in Scotland to be awarded official Investing in Volunteers status.

Stirling-based Volunteer Development Scotland, Scotland’s Centre for Excellence in Volunteering, marks a quarter century this year and manages the Investing in Volunteers quality standard in Scotland. And in June the UK-wide Volunteers Week campaign will also celebrate its silver anniversary.

“We’re very proud to achieve Investing in Volunteers,” says Lynne Gibbons, Service Manager, Adult Learning and Strategic Support. “Our Adult Learning team is the first service of its kind in the country to meet the national quality standard recognising good

The volunteer really welcomed me to the class, which made me feel good.

LEARNER

practice in volunteer management.”

The team is supported by volunteers in three areas: adult literacy and numeracy, teaching English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) and acting as ‘learning buddies’. Buddies help learners who need support to participate in other adult learning classes.

It’s great seeing the progress my learner is making becoming more confident and going to college. volunteer

Spring 2009

We invented things like a happy

/sad thermometer to help young children explain how they felt about the service.

Researching new ways to improve social work services for children

“Children and young people are the most important people our social workers work with,” said Hazel Fraser, Service Manager, Children’s Social Services. “We wanted to encourage children, young people and their parents to tell us how they feel about our service, so we can identify what can be done to improve. Together with the Research Team we designed a range of colourful and inventive research tools to help children express their feelings.”

“We developed things like a ‘happy/ sad thermometer’ to help young

children explain how they felt about the social work service, and a story book about Ben and Betty Bear who are visited by Helping Bear,” added Research Officer Debbie Cunnell. “We also came up with a colour chart so children could show how much they felt the social work service listened to them.”

“We went out to interview children, young people and parents either at their home or by telephone. A great deal of valuable feedback – positive and negative – was gathered. This will be used to help improve the service for families in the future. “ A newsletter with all the results of the research was sent out this spring to families who took part.

BELOW: DEBBIE (LEFT) AND HAZEL: NEW WAYS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS.

Child

b b

Protection

b

Stirling Council wants our area to be a place where all children and young people are safe, enjoy good health, and have access to a wide range of positive experiences and opportunities to achieve their potential.

bThe safety

of our children is everyone’s responsibility. If you have concerns about a child you should:

a b c

listen to what is being said observe what is happening write down what you see and hear.

Then seek advice and support from: During the day: Social Work Initial Assessment Team 01786 471177 Child Protection Co-ordinator 01786 443493 Police 01786 456000 Health Contact your local health centre and speak to your health visitor or GP. Reporter to the Children’s Panel Authority Reporter 01786 476400 Out of hours: Emergency Duty Team After 5 pm and at weekends Social Work 01786 470500 or 0845 277 7000 Police 01786 456000

11 BETTER SERVICES

W

hen Children’s Services wanted to understand more about children’s experiences of social work they asked the Council’s Research Team to help.

abc of

STIRLING FOCUS

To help

customers Scottish councils are joining up to develop a common list of services for their

12 BETTER SERVICES / participation & responsibility

websites.

Working on the Web www.stirling.gov.uk

I

mproving our services and making them more accessible are key aims for the Council, and our website has a key part to play.

“Maintaining the site and keeping the information on it up-to-date is a big job, and we work on it with colleagues from every part of the Council,” Web Services Team Leader Yvonne Dickson told Focus.

“The site carries the latest news and features alongside information about hundreds of services. You can also carry out all kinds of business online. Whether it’s applying for a job with Stirling Council, registering for text alerts, booking a library book or checking your council tax account, you can do it at www.stirling.gov.uk/my “We’re committed to making the site accessible,” adds Yvonne. “It’s important that it is easy to use for everyone. So, for example, if our customers are new to using a computer or have impaired vision, we do our best to make sure the design of the Email site meets their needs.

“The aim is to make our website an essential part of every project the Council is involved in, and to serve local people, encouraging participation, consultation and debate.”

The three-strong web team is currently working on a major behind-the-scenes overhaul of the site. What would you like a new Stirling Council website to look like? Do you think there’s more we could do to make sure people of all abilities are able to experience and enjoy the site? If you have ideas or comments that could help create a better website, please email webmaster@stirling.gov.uk

focus facts Our website gets over 5000 visits a day, and more and more customers are using the site to carry out their business with the council.

on our website your comments to webmaster@stirling.gov.uk

Join the

Sounding Board Our Sounding Board is made up of a representative set of local people who give their opinions on issues and services in the Stirling Council area. We are especially looking for more: • people from the city centre and

Eastern Villages • people from ethnic minorities • young people.

If you’re interested please: tel 01786 442994 email research@stirling.gov.uk visit www.stirling.gov.uk/ soundingboard

www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak

at s t i r l i n g s p o r t s v i l l a g e

13

Performance The Peak, at Stirling’s Sports Village, opened earlier this month.

It brings together an unrivalled range of sports and leisure facilities for residents of and visitors to the Stirling area, improving health, developing self-confidence and enhancing overall quality of life.

You can...

• dive in for a swim in the 25m swimming pool

• change your routine with classes in the dance and fitness studio Stirling Council, Active Stirling and sportscotland have

worked in partnership to create The Peak.

For all the latest info on

llage visit Stirling’s Sports Vi www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak

• build your stamina in the state-of-the-art gym • make a racquet in the new Sports Hall with 9 badminton and 3 basketball courts

• glide across the ice • climb the walls – or at least our 12 metre climbing wall!

• ...and after your class, dance, game, climb, skate or swim why not relax in the cafe or bar?

BETTER SERVICES

Health/Happiness/life/fun

STIRLING FOCUS

A look around with Linda Centre Manager Linda Mann took Stirling Focus for a tour of the peak and showed us why the facilities on offer are

14

some of the best to be found in central Scotland.

Linda: “There’s something here for everyone.”

Below: Great new spinning classes and Kelly wood from the olympic curling team.

When you arrive in The Peak, the brand new indoor complex at the heart of the Sports Village, a large reception area in the main atrium leads off to all parts of the centre. On the right is an impressive climbing wall and coffee bar. “The climbing wall is designed for everyone from complete novices right through to experienced climbers,” explains Linda. “All climbers have an initial induction and assessment.

Then they can join a class and gain more experience or go it alone if they have the right skills.”

To the left you can see through a glass wall to all three swimming pools. Linda points out how they all have different purposes. “The confidence pool is for babies and toddlers and has water fountains and jungle animals that allow children to develop their skills in

water in a fun, safe and stimulating way.

“The learner pool has a moveable floor that goes from a few centimetres to 1.8 metres deep and can be used for a variety of different groups and capabilities, and the main 25 metre pool has six swimming lanes and is over-looked by spectator seating.

Also on the ground floor, to the rear of the building is a nine court sports hall catering for a wide variety of indoor sports, and an ice rink with six curling sheets.

Walking round the building you feel a sense of spaciousness. The centre has been built to make the best use of natural light and this is certainly taken full advantage of in the 100 station gym.

With glass walls on two sides users of the cardio machines enjoy stunning views over the Ochils as they work out using the very latest technology.

The Peak makes the best use of natural light - for example in the 100-station gym with its fantastic coloured glass panels. The entrance hall and swimming pools also have huge windows.

Spring 2009

at s t i r l i n g s p o r t s v i l l a g e

It’s not simply about sport - it’s about

n. ess, life and fu

health, happin

WIN A YEAR’S FREE ACTIVELIVING SILVER MEMBERSHIP AT THE PEAK! For your chance to enjoy a whole year of free access to the fantastic facilities at The Peak simply answer this question: “Gym users are given a small keyfob which they plug into each machine as they work their way around the gym,” Linda says. “It contains their personal workout programme and tracks their session. Then when the session’s over the information is transferred onto a computer and reviewed by a gym assistant. It’s designed to help users with their training. If a customer doesn’t come along for a week or two we’ll give them a call just to check they’re ok. And if someone is completing their sessions quickly we can review the exercises and make them more varied and challenging.”

The centre also has two fitness studios, with over 40 classes for all ages on offer from Active Stirling - everything from aerobics and body pump to pilates and yoga.

Name any three sports you can enjoy at The Peak at Stirling’s Sports Village.

1

2

3

Name

Address The winner is first out of the hat.

Send your entry to: The Peak Competition, Communications and Marketing, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET or email stirlingfocus@ stirling.gov.uk Closing date Monday 25 May 2009.

This competition is not open to employees or contractors of Stirling Council or Active Stirling or any person directly or indirectly involved in the organisation or running of the competition, or their direct family members.

15

STIRLING FOCUS 16

at s t i r l i n g s p o r t s v i l l a g e

Prices at the peak Resident discount: all Stirling Council residents will receive a 10% discount on selected activities* - proof of residency is required.

focus facts

Concessionary rates: a 10% discount is available for people over the age of 60, full time students and people who qualify for Income Support.

• Stirling Sports Village at

The Peak is fully accessible to wheelchair users and users with other disabilities.

Swimming

Climbing Wall

Adult Juvenile Family Swim Additional Child Sauna

Adult Juvenile

£4.00* £3.00* £12.00* £2.00* £5.00*

Ice Rink Adult Junior Family Skate Additional Child Skate hire Family Skate hire

£5.00* £3.75* £15.00* £2.50* £1.75 £4.00

Studio Fitness classes

£12.00 £10.00

Sports Classes Swimming £4.00 Swimming 1to1 £16.00 Football £3.25 Gymnastics £3.25 Jumpin Beans 35mins £3.25 Jumpin Beans 45mins £3.60 Curling Adult 2.5hrs £11.00 Curling Jnr 1.25hrs £3.50 Other sports/activities £3.25

£5.00*

Gym Gym

£5.50*

Gym Membership

Gym/Swim/Classes Gym/Swim

Single £39.00 £33.00 Joint £68.00 £58.00 Junior (12-15yr old) na £15.00 Concession

Sports Hall 1 Court Adult Junior

£7.50* £4.50*

£30.00 £25.00

opening times Mon – Fri 6 am - 10 pm Sat 7 am - 8 pm Sun 8 am - 8 pm For more information visit www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak or tel: 01786 273555.

Forthside is the biggest single development for sport and leisure in Stirling for over 30 years.

• The Peak – the indoor complex at the Sports Village – is managed and run by Active Stirling.

• Stirling Sports Village is expected to attract 500,000 visitors each year.

• The Peak and the Sports Village are set to play a major role in attracting international teams preparing for both the London Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

They will help support elite athletes and those with an aspiration to compete at a higher level.

spring 2009

Toasting marjory: “we want to be active in our lives and in our communities.”

Speaking up

for older people “Join us and make sure your voice is heard.” That’s the call going out to all older people in the Stirling Council area from Marjory Russell, newlyappointed co-chair of the Older People’s Reference Group.

The group acts as an advisory panel to Stirling Council and campaigns on issues that are important to older people. It meets four times a year, during the day, in Stirling.

“We identify the gaps in provision of services with the aim of improving quality of life for older people,” says Marjory. “It can be something as simple as getting a good low-cost nail-cutting service in place for older people. Often because of arthritis or joint problems we can’t cut our nails easily, and for those who can’t afford a regular private service you can quite quickly become housebound because you can’t get your shoes on to get out and about.

“My belief is that older people don’t want things done for us, and we don’t want decisions made for us.

We want to be active in our lives and our communities, but sometimes we may just need a little help to get there.

“During my term I’d like to set up working groups on issues like health, money, transport and housing. So if there’s anyone out there who is interested, or has a burning issue they would like to discuss, please get in touch. Or even better - come along and join in! The more members we have the more we can genuinely speak on behalf of all older people.

We also need more members from the rural areas of Stirling. We know that transport may be an issue, so we’re looking at how we deal with this.”

The group meets four

another new forthside business Vue Cinema, Frankie and Bennys and Nando’s are welcoming another new business to Forthside.

Toast is a friendly family-run café,and the ideal place to take a break, enjoy delicious food and drinks and take in stunning views across the Forth towards the Wallace Monument. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Forthside Way.

WIN a meal for four at Nando’s in Forthside Nando’s, at Forthside is a great new place to enjoy delicious food such as peri-peri chicken.

Just answer this question: Complete the name of this popular Nando’s dish.

peri - - - - - Chicken Name

times a year and campaigns

Address

on issues that are important

Send your entry to: Nando’s Competition, Communications and Marketing, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET or email stirlingfocus@stirling.gov.uk

to older people.

For more information or if you’d like to attend a meeting please contact Claire McDonald, Support Officer, on 01786 443377.

Meal for four can be either lunch or dinner; to the value of £50; prize valid until end October 2009. Draw will be on 28 May. see website for competition rules

17

STIRLING FOCUS

The new scheme will be rolled out across the area over the next few months.

“There are things we can do to help avoid all this. First of all, we can all cut down on what we throw away by shopping smarter, planning in advance what the family’s going to eat, and thinking up crafty ways of turning leftovers into tasty meals.

18 Sustainable stirling

riverside resident Carol Lightbody is welcoming the new service.

Please don’t fling out your

Local resident Carol Lightbody is welcoming the new service.

... it’s just the thing for making great compost and fertiliser We may not be used to thinking of veggie peelings, chicken bones, cores, used tea-bags and other scraps and leftovers as worth bothering about, but they’re actually a very valuable resource – and greatly in demand.

“When food waste is put in the general waste grey bin it ends up in landfill,” Waste Services Communications Officer David Riggle tells Focus. “There it breaks down

Only liners marked with the

e n be used to lin ca o g lo ’ le ab st ‘Compo your food waste caddy.

to release methane and other noxious greenhouse gases that damage our environment. The weight of food waste also counts against the landfill targets we must meet. If we exceed them, the council could face huge financial penalties, which would be bad news for council tax payers.

“And now, with the arrival of a new scheme that’s being introduced this year across the Stirling area, the Council is able to collect food waste separately in mini-bins or ‘caddies’ so it can be turned into something really useful - compost and a nutrient-rich natural fertiliser. “ People living in Riverside have been the first in the Stirling Council area to take part in the new food waste scheme.

Q

How does this new caddy system of collecting food waste work?

Your recycling team will leave a caddy for you in your blue recycling box when the system becomes available in your area. Put in all your food waste while preparing food and as you’re clearing up after meals. Then just put the whole caddy in your blue box on collection day and leave at the kerbside for emptying as usual.

Remember, the blue box and the caddy are emptied by hand, so please try to keep them neat.

Q

What should I use to line the caddy?

You can use a biodegradable liner (20 are supplied with the caddy) or just some newspaper. Please don’t use carrier bags as liners – we can’t

.

Spring 2009 pupils from Riverside primary school eco group: caddies at the ready

If you need another recycling box

All pupils learned how to use the caddy to help their families with the food waste collection system.

Q

Won’t the caddy smell? What about vermin?

A weekly food waste service means you’re keeping the materials most likely to smell out of your grey bin.

Also, the caddy can be stored outdoors without risk of it being broken into by vermin. Placing it in your recycling box will further protect the caddy and make it easier for collection crews to empty.

Wrapping the food waste in paper before putting it in the caddy will help soak up any liquids, and regularly cleaning your caddy also helps prevent smells.

Q

Can I get another recycling box or kitchen caddy if I need to?

Additional recycling boxes, box covers and kitchen caddies are available free.

Call 0845 277 7000 and we’ll deliver one for you.

Q

How can I get more biodegradable liners?

Twenty are supplied free along with your caddy. If you run out and would like to keep using them, you can buy additional 100% biodegradable liners from www.recyclenow.com or other suppliers. They are listed under ‘home composting accessories’. Contact us for a list of other local suppliers and details of liners you can use in this scheme. You can also use a liner purchased in a supermarket or garden centre as long as it has the ‘fully compostable’ symbol on it.

7000.

A small grey

Q

I don’t have time to recycle - why should I have to do this?

The new system simply means putting your food waste in the caddy instead of your usual grey bin and then putting it out in your recycling box for collection.

By taking part in the scheme you’ll be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and helping the Council – and local taxpayers - avoid landfill taxes and potential fines for sending biodegradable waste to landfill.

Q

I don’t produce enough food waste to have another bin.

No matter how small an amount of food waste you produce, please use the caddy to keep food waste out of your grey bin.

Q

Can I compost food waste at home? Yes, if you prefer.

To buy a subsidised compost bin phone 0845 600 0323 or visit www. wasteawarescotland.org.uk/compost.

caddy for food waste will be placed in your recycling box when the collection is available in your area.

.

What goes in the food waste caddy?

 cooked and uncooked food  fruits and vegetables  meat and fish, bones and skin  leftovers  tea bags and coffee grounds  newspaper / biodegradable

liners

 cat and dog food  used kitchen roll / paper tissue

focus fact Around a third of all the food we buy ends up being thrown in the bin - and most of it could have been eaten. This waste costs the average family around £420 every year. If this food was eaten instead of thrown out, the CO2 emissions saved would be equivalent to taking one in every five cars off the road. To find out more visit www. wasteawarelovefood.org.uk

plastic bags  packaging of any kind  foil or cling film  food and drink boxes  glass or plastic bottles, tins or cans  animal faeces or pet litter  nappies 

19 Sustainable stirling

empty the caddy if it contains anything in the ‘no thanks’ list, including plastic bags and packaging.

ne 0845 277

ho or lid please p

STIRLING FOCUS

your local library is a great resource. Visit www.stirling.gov. uk/libraries

standing up to the downturn

20 BETTER SERVICES / PARTICIPATION & rESPONSIBILITY

If you’re job-hunting

A run-down of some of the sources of advice, support and information available for local people and businesses.

Money advice Our Money Advice Team can give advice on a range of debt issues including court action or threatened repossession.

Tel 0845 277 7000.

Council Tax Benefit This helps people on a low income to pay all or part of their council tax bills. Anyone who is liable to pay council tax can apply. You can claim whether you are working, unemployed, a pensioner or have a disability. Tel 01786 443210.

Housing Benefit This benefit helps people on low incomes to pay their rent. You can make a claim if you pay rent to the Council, a housing association or a private landlord, and whether you are working, unemployed, a pensioner or have a disability. Local Housing Allowance applies to people renting from a private sector landlord. It is a way of working out new claims for Housing Benefit. Tel 01786 443210.

make an application for benefit please phone 01786 443210 for a form. Usually benefit starts from the Monday after the form is received.

Free School Meals Free school meals are available to families on low income. Applications can be made at any time during the year. Free meals will be provided from the date the application is approved. Tel 01786 443210 or download a form from our website.

Debt advice Call the National Debt Helpline on 0808 808 4000 for free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with

debt problems. The advisers can provide expert support no matter how much debt you are in. You don’t have to give your personal details, and can remain anonymous if you wish.

Mental health

Information and sources of help and advice are available from: www.wellscotland.info and www. seemescotland.org

There are jargon-free guides on all kinds of money issues at www. moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk.

.

Online benefits calculator www.stirling.gov.uk/benefits_ calculator Here’s a quick way to find out if you quality for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. If you would like to

You can contact

the National

Debt Helpline on 0808 808 4000

Spring 2009

“Expert help and advice is available ch.”

tou esitate to get in h ’t n o d se a le p

21

Saving energy

saves money and cuts carbon emissions Here are the Council’s Energy team’s top tips.

1 Turning your room thermostat down 1˚C could save 7% of your heating bill.

2 Check your loft insulation. 250mm is recommended.

3 If your doors are draughty, fit draught excluders.

4 Use compact fluorescent lamps.

Buy a good quality one from a well-known manufacturer.

5 Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need to use.

6 Don’t leave equipment on standby.

7 Check the seal on your fridge or freezer door. A piece of paper should stay in place when the door is closed on it. If it drops down the seal is faulty and will be letting warm air into your fridge.

8 Only buy ‘A’ rated equipment for your home.

9 Switch computers off and switch off the power at the socket when they’re not in use 10 Instead of having heating and hot water on all the time, try setting the controllers to run for a few hours in the morning and evening.

Futures Fair Redundancy Support Event Stirling Council, along with our Partnership Action for Continued Employment (PACE) partners, aims to help local people recently made redundant to get back into work or training as soon as possible.

Following a successful event in the Falkirk area earlier this year, another Futures Fair in the Stirling area is being planned.

Turning down

The event will be free and open to anyone who has recently been made redundant or is facing redundancy. There will be opportunities to meet with local employers (including those with current vacancies) and recruitment agencies.

Experienced specialist advisers from the partnership will be there to offer advice on job searching, career guidance, training and volunteering options, business start up, tax, welfare benefits and money advice.

heating bills.

As Focus goes to print a date is yet to be arranged, but the fair is expected to take place in May or June, and will be well advertised.

the thermostat can save on

useful links Jobhunting websites include:

• www.s1jobs.com • www.forthvalleyjobs.com • www.scotcareers.co.uk • www.myjobscotland.gov.uk or contact your local Jobcentre Plus for assistance tel 01786 424200 www.jobcentreplus.co.uk Energy-saving websites include:

and the Futures Fair, go to

• www.infoscotland.com/gogreener • www.direct.gov.uk/en/

www.stirling.gov.uk/pace

environmentandgreenerliving

For more information on PACE

STIRLING FOCUS

Scottish Roots conference programme is packed with talks, discussions and visits -

22 BETTER SERVICES PARTICIPATION & rESPONSIBILITY

The Routes to your

and lots of opportunities to meet fellow keen genealogists.

y b d e t a n i c s Fa

family history?

>>

Keen family history researchers chris and william delve into the past at stirling’s central library

Here’s an event that you – and your friends and family won’t want to miss. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor - Routes to your Scottish Roots Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June, Albert Halls, Stirling

There’s a sense of excitement in the Reference Library when we are helping someone trace their family tree and they find a reference to one of their ‘own folk’ in a street directory, Census return, Old Parish Record or old newspaper.

Isabel Kincaid, Reference Librarian

A family history event this summer is set to be one of the Stirling area’s biggest Homecoming highlights of the year. The three-day conference, at Stirling’s Albert Halls, is ideal for everyone who’s keen to find out how to go about tracing their Scottish roots.

Day one concentrates on locally held resources. In the morning session, Council staff from the Registrar’s, Cemetery Office, Reference Library and Archives will highlight material they hold and services that they

can offer. The afternoon will feature talks on resources which may not be immediately obvious but which can help provide background information.

Speakers from the University of Stirling, the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum will reveal how their collections can assist in your research.

On day two the spotlight falls on lifestyles – the occupations which our ancestors may have followed or circumstances in which they may have

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor - Routes to your Scottish Roots Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June, Albert Halls, Stirling

found themselves. Speakers include council staff, a renowned Scottish author, local and professional historians and university lecturers.

Saturday evening brings the chance to relax and unwind with a glass of wine and a buffet supper at the Smith. Travellers’ Songs and Stories will be sung and related

by Jess Smith, one of Scotland’s best-known authors. Born into a travelling family, Jess is an acknowledged expert in Traveller lore as well as a great singer.

She is also one of our guest speakers.

walks through the Old Town Cemetery and give information about some of those who rest there. For safety reasons, numbers will be limited for the walks. Bookings can be made at the Conference.

Family history societies will be in attendance throughout the conference with their stalls of specialist books and other materials.

For details of prices and booking, visit www.homecomingstirling.com

The conference ends on Sunday 21 June with a half-day session looking at the significance of graveyards to the family history enthusiast. Experts will examine important aspects of graveyard culture including the garden cemetery movement and gravestone symbolism, and there will be a focus on Stirling’s own Old Town Cemetery, which has recently undergone a restoration programme.

In the afternoon volunteers will lead

focus fact Scotland’s People is the government source of family history data for scotland, with over 50 million records to access.

Discount vouchers for using the Scotland’s People database are available from libraries. Visit www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

Elma Lindsay’s Casebook

L

ocal History Officer Elma Lindsay loves the challenge of some family history detective work. Here are a couple of Stirling area-linked stories from her ‘case file’...

“I received an email from a Bannockburn-born lady, now living in Australia, who has just started to research her local roots. I was able to find several newspaper items about her grandfather, as he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the First World War. One of these, his obituary, had a photograph of him and another gave a verbatim account of a speech he made when he was presented with a silver tea service by the then Stirling Town Council.”

“An American lady who visited Central Reference Library about two years ago found a reference to the Reverend Robert Frew (minister of St Ninians United Presybyterian Church 1835 – 1910) in her great-grandfather’s obituary. I showed her a photograph of Mr Frew and she almost fell off her chair with astonishment. ‘That picture hung on my grandmother’s wall all my life,’ she said, ‘and no-one knew who he was. That also explains why my grand-mother’s middle name was Frew.’ Mystery solved!”

We’re hoping visitors from all over the UK and beyond will come to discover their family stories and take the opportunity to get to know the Stirling area and explore Scotland’s heart. ory Officer , Local Hist Elma Lindsay

23

STIRLING FOCUS

of the Stirling area.

What kind of place would

you like our area to be?

24 BETTER SERVICES / participation & responsibility

derway cts are now un Two huge proje which will shape the future

>

Stirling Local Development Plan and Local Housing Strategy will shape the future of the Stirling Area.

T

he Local Development Plan (expected to be ready in 2012) and Local Housing Strategy (due 2010) are now underway and will play a key role in shaping our surroundings and quality of life, and those of future generations.

Focus asked Principal Planning Officer Claire Milne for the background.

Claire, why are these two projects so important?

Development decisions can be irreversible, and depending on

Claire Milne: we want to involve as many people and groups as possible

their nature, scale and location they can have a real impact on the lives of local people and communities. So it’s really important that everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

Can you explain more about the Local Development Plan?

The Plan will guide what development can take place, and where, for the next 20 years. It will deal with a whole range of land use issues including new housing, shopping, business, industry, transport, recreation, built and natural heritage, right across the Stirling area.

And what about the Local Housing Strategy?

The supply and quality of housing is vital to the economic success of Stirling, the ability of people on low incomes to put a roof over their head, and the long-term sustainability of the area. The Local Housing Strategy will look at the extent and type of housing need and demand, and will set out Stirling Council’s vision – local people’s vision - for the future of all types of housing.

Who are you keen to get involved?

We want to involve as many people and groups as possible in preparing

e-planning Now you can make Planning Applications and Appeals on our website at www.stirling.gov.uk/onlineplanning This new service:

• speeds up the processing of

25

applications

• means consistent and easy-to- use forms • saves time and money • does away with the need for scanning paper copies of plans.

E-planning is part of the wider agenda to improve Scotland’s planning system by strengthening the involvement of communities, speeding up decisions and better reflecting local views.

these documents, and we’ll be setting up training, workshops and public exhibitions over the coming months.

So what’s your big message?

These two huge projects are about our future - and that of generations to come - so make sure you have your say. Please get involved – and make a difference!

FIND OUT MORE Local Development Plan Claire Milne, 01786 442522, email: ldp@stirling.gov.uk web: www.stirling.gov.uk/localdevplan Local Housing Strategy Margaret Turner, 01786 443093, email: lhs@ stirling.gov.uk, web: www.stirling.gov. uk/housing

jenny and carol can help you decide on an action plan

Know your Housing Options Working to help prevent homelessness across the Stirling Council area is the key task for two Housing Options Officers who recently joined the Council.

Jenny Ross and Carol Herity will liaise with the Homelessness Team, Area Housing Teams and Landlord Registration Team to tackle housing concerns.

aim is to develop a step-bystep action plan tailored to each individual person which can help them sort through their problems,” adds Carol.

“We’ll be listening to people who may be in difficulty and working through housing options with them, offering practical suggestions, says Jenny. “The

The officers can also help you get in touch with specialist services such as money advice and income maximisation, and will be working with other teams and partner agencies.

p Home Re

ort

New legal rules now mean that if you’re selling your house you need to arrange a Home Report before you begin marketing your property.

A Home Report is made up of: • a Single Survey Report (including an Energy Report) and • a Property Questionnaire.

The Trading Standards team is enforcing these new rules.

“We’re committed to protecting the interests of consumers when buying, selling or letting property”, says Trading Standards Service Manager Neil Chalmers. “We’ll fully investigate any complaints, and will issue fixed penalty notices where necessary.”

For full details visit www.scotland.gov. uk/home-report

get involved, the louder the PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

STIRLING FOCUS

The more young people

26

youth voice will be.

The Youth Parliament is designed by young people and led by young people.

STIRLING’S MSYPS : helping young people be heard

Zoe and Gary are our MSYPs

Talking up for and talking with local young people Zoe Taylor and Gary Airnes, Stirling’s Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, have been working with the Council, Community Planning Partnership and other partners to make progress on the issues which came out tops in a recent survey of local young people.

better facilities • drugs – a reduction in the numbers of young people affected • environment - Stirling’s environment to be green, clean and beautiful.

• things to do - more things to do

A Youth Voice network is now being set up to help Zoe and Gary represent the views of young people more effectively.

that are relevant, local and good value for money • alcohol - increased awareness and action on alcohol issues affecting young people • leisure and sport - increased and

Zoe and Gary are working with Stirling’s Community Planning Partnership on ways to help young people have a real say in decision making. Issues the MSYPs will be focusing on include alcohol and

The young people wanted action on:

young people, leisure and sport, transport, and affordable access for young people to Stiring’s new Sports Village.

Focus fact • More than 2000 young people in Stirling voted on 29 May last year when Gary and Zoe were elected.

• Almost 10,000 young people voted in the 2007 Scottish Youth Parliament elections.

spring 2009

Don’t leave your

X behind!

Make sure you have your say in the European Parliament Elections on 4 June.

Research shows that students, home-movers and holiday-makers are some of the groups who tend to forget to either register or take advantage of postal voting - and so miss out on the opportunity to vote.

27

You can register to vote if you are 16 or over and a British, Irish, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or do not require such leave.

HOMELESSNESS help You don’t have to be living on the street to be homeless. Someone who’s sleeping on a friend’s sofa or living in over-crowded accommodation that’s affecting their health is also homeless.

So is a person who may be at risk of losing their home because they can’t pay the rent or mortgage.

Registration closes on 19 May and forms are available for download from www. aboutmyvote.com

Scotland is one of 12 electoral regions in the

UK, and has six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)

stirling youth voice

“YOUR life, YOUR community YOUR council, YOUR right to be heard” Zoe and Gary are supported in their role as MSYPs by Stirling Council Youth Services and Stirling Youth Voice.

Council area, are between 12-25 years old, and would like to get involved and have your say, please contact:

Stirling Youth Voice encourages young people to have their say in local, national and international politics in a way which is representative of young people’s views, needs and issues.

zoe.taylor.msyp@sypmail.org.uk or gary.airnes.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

focus facts

If you live, work or go to school, college or university in the Stirling

or get in touch with YOUTH SERVICES on 01786 432 211 Visit: www.stirlingyouthvoice.bebo. com or www.youngscot.org.uk/ stirling

“People can face losing their home for all sorts of reasons, like the loss of a job or the breakdown of a relationship,” says Homelessness Service Manager Simone Greenshaw. “Talking to an adviser to work out the best solution to suit your circumstances is the first step.”

The Homelessness team provides advice and information for people who are homeless or likely to become so within two months. And for council tenants who may be struggling to pay rent, local housing officers can give information about council housing and support.

If you’re worried about homelessness, please don’t delay. Contact the team on 0845 277 7000 or 01786 432400 Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm (there is also an out of hours response for emergencies.)

STIRLING FOCUS BETTER SERVICES

28

We’re listening to your

Talkback Talkback is our comments and complaints scheme. It lets us know how our customers feel we’re doing – the good and the bad – so we can improve services.

Here are some recent examples of how your Talkback comments or complaints have led to a more helpful service and smarter ways of working:

• signage for and lighting of the access route for customers who have a disability has been improved at the Municipal Buildings in Stirling, and the cleaning schedule for the route has been revised.

• customers who are making a council tax arrears payment through our contact centre are now asked if they would like to discuss their account with the Arrears Team, who can offer help and advice.

• the form for transferring or assigning a council tenancy to someone else, or for arranging the succession of a tenancy, now explains that it is an application form, and that the details given need to be checked before a decision can be made.

• the application form for subletting a council tenancy now explains that sub-letting the property may affect any future Right to Buy application.

A new contract with

our customers

Our Customer Care Code sets out for customers the standards of service they can expect from Stirling Council employees.

It now sits alongside a new Customer Contract which explains what standard of behaviour our employees are entitled to from customers.

and the Scottish Government’s Prevention of Violence at Work Group, and was written after consultation with a wide range of people and organisations.

Together, the Code and the Contract summarise the rights and responsibilities of both people working for the Council and people using our services.

The Customer Contract follows guidance from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

s are available

Talkback form

from all Council offices or at

ntact us’) uk (click on ‘co v. o .g g in rl ti .s w ww

Your Councillors

www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors

Ward 1

Trossachs and Teith

Ward 2

Forth and Endrick

Cllr Tony Ffinch

Cllr Alistair Berrill

Conservative

Conservative

ffincht@stirling.gov.uk

berrilla@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 3

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

Cllr Callum Campbell

Conservative campbellc@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Paul Owens

Cllr Graham Lambie

Labour

SNP

owensp@stirling.gov.uk

lambieg@stirling.gov.uk

29 Cllr Colin Finlay

Labour finlayc@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Fergus Wood

Cllr Colin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

snp

Labour

Cllr David Goss

woodf@stirling.gov.uk

obrienc@stirling.gov.uk

Lib Dem gossd@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 4

Castle

Ward 5

Stirling West

Cllr Graham Houston

snp houstong@stirling.gov.uk Cllr John Hendry

Cllr Neil Benny

Labour

Conservative

hendryj@stirling.gov.uk

bennyn@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Graham Reed

Cllr Scott Farmer

Lib Dem reedg@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 6

Stirling East

SNP

Cllr Ian Brown

farmers@stirling.gov.uk

Lib Dem browni@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Jim Thomson

Cllr Andrew Simpson

snp

Labour

Cllr Corrie McChord

thomsonj03@stirling.gov.uk

simpsona3@stirling.gov.uk

Labour mcchordc@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 7

Bannockburn

Cllr Steven Paterson

snp patersonst@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Margaret Brisley Labour Cllr Alasdair MacPherson SNP Pending by-election brisleym@stirling.gov.uk macphersona@stirling.gov.uk

phone

0845 277 7000

Number crunching

in the first of a new series we go behind the scenes at waste services with manager david hopper.

My workplace: I’m out and about all the time, but my base is New Viewforth. The plants on my office window ledge are planted in the Council’s Castle Compost - and judging by the size they’ve grown, it seems to be working a treat.

My roots: I grew up in the Stirling area, and studied at Stirling University.

My team: We aim to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill sites by encouraging everyone to recycle as much as possible.

Waste Services managers and workforce work well together, and we’re committed to providing a dedicated frontline service for local people.

My motivation: Our generation has the chance to protect the planet for future generations. It’s challenging – but extremely worthwhile.

My goal: If we keep working in partnership with local people to reduce the waste going to landfill, we can lower landfill gas emissions and radically reduce Stirling’s carbon footprint. working to reduce the waste going to landfill

Number Crunching Almost 16,000 household uplifts carried out on an average day

43 % of waste currently recycled 19,000 tonnes of domestic mixed waste collected 2008 – 09

50% the amount by which we must reduce landfilled waste to meet our 2025 target

30 waste collection vehicles covering the Stirling Council area 250

estimated number of years it takes for one plastic carrier bag to decompose in landfill

75 C the temperature Stirling Council’s Castle Compost reaches during the production process 1000m3 gas burned off every hour from our landfill site

Edited and designed by Stirling Council’s Communications and Marketing Team, March 2009.

STIRLING FOCUS better services

30

spotlight on waste

80 percentage of local people who said in the Stirling Council Residents Survey they feel satisfied or very satisfied with our recycling service 8,000 tonnes of green waste and cardboard which we collect from brown bins, turn to compost and give away free each year.

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s .gov.uk/my/bin at www.stirling Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000 email: info@stirling.gov.uk text: 0771 799 0001 web: www.stirling.gov.uk

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