Stirling winter 2012

winter 2011

We’re ready for winter –areyou?

Also inside

Special delivery The Food Train is arriving!

Putting you first Inside our one-stop advice shop

Page 6

Page 8

Dig deep this winter!

How you can help keep the area moving Page 22

Stirling.gov.uk

For everyone living in the stirling council area

Throughout the year, we’ve been continuing to make changes to improve your local services. Audit Scotland’s latest report scored the Council’s overall performance as good. And our prospects for future improvement were also scored as good. This is the second-top grading on both measures. Read more about this on page 4.

Caring for our most vulnerable citizens is always our priority. Our latest inspection reports tell us we’ve also made good progress in both social care and child protection in 2011.

One example is our reablement programme, which is providing individually tailored care services to help older people live independently at home for as long as possible.

On page 6, you can read about another initiative – the Food Train charity that’s offering help with shopping for older and vulnerable people in our community.

Over the year you’ve helped achieve a 5 per cent increase in the amount of waste being recycled or composted. But we really need your help to do more.

On pages 18 and 19 we look at food waste recycling and how we’re converting food waste into electricity for homes and businesses.

We’re all hoping for a mild end to the year, but if the bitter temperatures and icy conditions do return, Stirling’s ready.

Working together in our neighbourhoods and communities is the key.

You’ll find all kinds of useful information in this issue about what the Council and community councils have been doing to prepare, and what each of us can do to get ready in our own homes and local areas. Whatever the weather, we aim to keep providing your local services around the clock.

With best wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“Whatever the weather, we aim to keep providing your local services around the clock”

On the cover

Dragonfly makes a friend at last year’s festive celebrations. This year, he and his fellow reindeer will be returning to Stirling . See page 3 to find out when you can meet them.

Stirling magazine brings you current news and stories from across Stirling’s public sector organisations. Please let us have your comments and ideas for future issues by emailing stirlingmagazine@stirling.gov.uk

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stirling.gov.uk

Your leftover meals can be put to good use – from compost to dog food Zero WASte CAmpAIGn groups were also involved. The survey was still ongoing when this The Zero waste team at stirling article went to print, but you’ll find Council is currently focusing on results on the council’s website. food waste management. in line with the survey findings, At the moment, each year in a food waste promotion campaign stirling we send 6,000 tons of will be run from January to March food to landfill and it makes up a to encourage as many people as third of the weight of rubbish in possible to undertake their duty most people’s grey bins. to recycle their food waste. if it was all composted instead, we’d save a huge amount of money – more than £300,000.

The environmental costs are even higher. in landfill, old food gets buried and creates methane aims to gas, has a mucharound worse the city. The network be like towhich What do we want Stirling and transform the landscape of impact on global climate restore change 20 years from now? stretching from Ayrshire and than dioxide. itan hasarea other Council’s thecarbon For the past 18 months,effects and too – the bad smell Inverclyde you’ve in the west, to Fife consulting been has team planning probably noticed as you Lothians thedrive past in the east. groups, with local people, community the landfill at grangemouth is one Local a create to others and developers business of theout most a tangible. ... leading the way in Development Plan that sets “we to understand learning ... andwhy is the Thiswant shared vision for our area. people more businesses and do or don’t recycleattracting leftover emerged. detailed picture that hasfood,” waste services manager supporting the development of David Hopper said. successful and expanding ones A Stirling that’s: in october, a survey ranmaking it possible for more people for ... proud of its past and three weeks over threeto routes: be able to work close to or from ... excited about its future riverside, Dunblane andhome, Fallin. six and in the city centre historic cherishing a magnificent hundred households took part developing as a “learning city”; as a heritage while also flourishing and collection– teams and focus for its university, sharing known modern, vibrant and healthy area in the Forth Valley College network, choose to live, a place where people 18 sTirling.gov.uk learning-related more with and work and spend their leisure time businesses centred on a fine, small, walkable city ... providing for the needs of well-connected to the big local people ... conurbations and towns of central more affordable housing Scotland and Tayside fewer pockets of deprivation in part of a growing Central Scotland urban and rural areas “Green Network”, linking the reduced levels of social polarisation. attractive small towns and villages

Our vision for the future…

The local Development Plan sets out how we think stirling will look in decades to come – and you can have your say

ARE BEING DROP-IN CONSULTATION SESSIONS HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Wednesday 7 Wednesday 16 December, Doune & November, Thornhill, Deanston, Muir Hall, Thornhill Community Doune, 2-8pm Hall, 2-8pm Friday 9 December, Friday 18 November, Fintry, Menzies Hall, Dunblane, Braeport 2-8pm Centre, 2-8pm 10 December, Thursday 24 November, Saturday Bridge of Allan / Balfron, Mclintock Causewayhead, wallace Hall, 3-9pm High school, 10-4pm Friday 25 November, Monday 12 December, Buchlyvie, Buchlyvie Fallin, Fallin library, village Hall, 3-9pm 10-12pm & 2-6pm Saturday 26 November, Tuesday 13 December, City Centre, on-street at Plean, Plean library, Murray Place (Farmers’ 10-1pm & 2-5pm Market), 10-4pm Thursday 15 December, Friday 2 December, Cowie, Cowie library, killearn, killearn Parish 3-7pm Hall, 3-9pm

how to comment on the plan The Draft Proposed local Development Plan guides the future use of land and indicates where development should happen and where it should not.

The Draft Proposed Plan is currently out for consultation until 16 December 2011. You can view it at local libraries, council offices and online at www.stirling.gov.uk/localdevplan.

We would love to have your comments. Please email: ldp@stirling.gov.uk or write to Planning and Policy, Viewforth, Stirling. Drop-in consultation sessions are also being held throughout the Stirling area.

Details of the session nearest to you are on the left.

Planning the future

Comment

recycling

recycling

Stirling Council Chief Executive Bob Jack

Food for thought

Planning the future

Contents and comment

Stirling Council Leader Graham Houston

A rem for Twinder el Night!fth

You can recycle Christm your rea as tree l up and – eith er cho place p in the or tak e it alo brown it ng to bin, your recycli ng cen nearest tre.

we all have a responsibility to org.uk/composting recycle our food waste – and even even if you are not a keen better, not to waste food in the gardener, you can still home first place. compost. in January 2012, Forth The next best thing is to make valley environment link will be your own home compost. if you’re running a master composter a keen gardener, this is the best programme. This is a great and cheapest way to feed your opportunity to learn about plants and vegetables. You can has been a techniques and therecomposting Houston,home Councillor get bins fromQ: any garden centre discover a great resource in your consultation with local communities lot of and advice from www. rubbish.

Development better quality food the draft Local businesses. in developing zerowastescotland.org.uk or www. if you’re interested than dog food and means find out what people feel is special in going The process also creates a Plan togardenorganic. along orfeel would like further is special they get more variety in their diet.” biofertiliser that can be used in you do about their area. What information, call Forth The easiest and most hygienic agriculture as an alternative to about Stirling? environment way is to use compostable liners, at scotland’slink on 01786 chemical fertilisers. a: i think it’s our position449215 e-mailarea biodiversity@ which can be bought in every stirling in theor You can recycle all types of heart – wherever you areforthenvironmentlink.org supermarket, and there’s also a open space and a food waste, including meat and there’s easy access to greatoften, whether or not we as well limited supply available free from environment, even chicken and fish bones, as fine historic and naturalrecycle comeslinks down toto how we Customer First on Port street. transport well as fruit and vegetable as excellent amenities and manage the food waste in our As an alternative, newspaper peelings. the rest of the country. kitchens. Corrinne Douglas, a can be used to wrap leftovers in All food leftovers and plate mum of two Bannockburn, or if necessary they can go views to have thefrom scrapings can be recycled via Q: How important is ithas foundat a great straight into the food waste bin. the solution: “i put the kerbside recycling service, of local people and businesses any leftovers in a Tupperware box After your food waste is collected on a weekly basis centre of this process?and then pop it in the fridge. That collected, it’s taken to a state-ofDevelopment Plan alongside your blue box recycling a: it’s essential. The local way it doesn’t smell and the-art plant near Cumbernauld, in food waste caddies. stirling for everyone. i can just is designed to improveput it in a linedalready food waste bin where it’s digested by bacteria to has who everyone to grateful we’re every couple of days.” create bio-gas, which is For further advice and always keen to become involved, and areAnd food waste bins are not the converted into power. secondary and primary and the schoolscheck information, to give their views. encourage more people only way to use up old food or In the countryside This power is then fed into business and the transport council’s rubbish and recycling peels – “They can go to chickens or more small groups national of housesgrid, to provide community facilities, siteThe involved village’s planned or call on www.stirling.gov.uk developments.

Q: How have councillors dogs,”been David Hopper said. “it’s more woodland electricity for homes and green network. the000. us on part of 2777 be 0845 landscape will in shaping the plan? more recreational activities, and facilities a: Across the parties, we’ve all been attending closer to the city In the city public meetings and briefings, and some different land uses, for example within (including public the areas new housing encouraging and supporting biomass crops adjusted green Belts) with new primary consultation process. The local Development aims of land management, different routes, cycle and members schools, bus, walking Plan group, comprising elected such as reducing flood risk and maintaining the sustainable drainage features and waste from all parties, has met 20 times over biodiversity all recycling facilities past 18 months to consider and inform more renewable energy generation more affordable housing and more aspects of the proposed plan. (wind, hydro and other sources) and grid housing for people with particular needs, enhancements to support it. especially older people Q: How would you describe the Stirling time? a vibrant, much-improved city centre area you would like to see in 20 years’ In Stirling’s villages and smaller towns with increased retail and office space in a: Caring, successful and aspirational; housing developments peripheral good quality buildings supported by quality and sustainable providing more affordable housing, and the more business and retail space generally development in the right places, to meet people older for housing – a variety of types, and well connected changing needs of our communities and in a few locations, close to the city, with housing areas businesses. more substantial new housing, new or improvements to existing housing expanded primary schools and regenerated and industrial areas with good-quality village centres green space more premises to support local business, a thriving university and college, perhaps retail and tourism now with a “satellite” campus some local renewable power generation, more Park and ride sites, pedestrianised for example wind turbines and communal streets and cycle tracks, and more biomass boilers for walking opportunities local waste management and some local-district renewable power recycling sites such as domestic wind generation, allotments, community orchards and turbines, solar panels, communal biomass other local food production enterprises. boilers and so on local/district waste management and At Durieshill sites recycling Durieshill is a new village planned for a local food production, such as allotments site to the west of Plean and south of Pirnhall and community orchards roundabout. it will help meet the rising developments and green network demand for housing in the stirling area to enhancements enabling the river Forth by 2033, the local Development Plan life contribute much more to the quality of sees the development of Durieshill well in the city. advanced, with substantial housing,

Q&A with stirling Council leader Cllr graham Houston

How THe PlAn will BeneFiT THe wHole CoMMuniTY

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FooD wAsTe TiPs You’ll also find great advice, recipes and tools on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com get the portion size right tinned tuna and beans, olives, – use the calculator on herbs and spices and rice and www.lovefoodhatewaste.com pasta. That way you can Plan meals in advance and throw together a quick make a shopping list before “ready meal” when you’re you go to buy groceries. short of time. keep an eye on get clever with the use-by leftovers. A roast dates. chicken can Check give you them two or three before days’ worth you put of meals them in – use scraps your of meat in trolley sandwiches and if you and boil the buy in bulk carcass up for and the use-by delicious soup. dates are coming Check your fridge. up soon, freeze what you Make sure there’s nothing can’t use straight away. hidden at the back of the stock up your store fridge that needs to be cupboard with essentials like used up.

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What’s inside…

4 Thumbs up from Audit Scotland’s Best Audit Value report 5 Hot stuff! Residents are set to save cash on energy bills 6 The Food Train is arriving shortly to help elderly people live independently 8 Putting the customer first at our new advice centre 10 Help us choose a motto that sums up Stirling 12 A bright new future – our vision of how Stirling will look in 20 years’ time

14 From shows to Santa visits, what’s on across our area 16 Kippen community “pitches in” to create sports facility 18 Waste not, want not – how to recycle leftover food 20 We’re planning ahead to keep Stirling on the move 22 Our handy guide to ensure you stay safe in the forthcoming cold weather 24 Healthy advice to stay fit and well this winter 26 Find out how to contact your local councillor

About…

Stirling magazine is published

by Stirling Council.

Editor: Susan Cunningham Email: cunninghams@stirling.gov.uk Tel: 01786 443360 Design and editing: Connect Communications, Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS. Tel: 0141 561 0300 Visit: www.connect communications.co.uk Printed on 90gsm (cover), 70gsm (inside) FSC® paper

Plain English

Stirling recently achieved “approved by” status from the Plain English Campaign. The campaign encourages organisations to communicate in a helpful, straightforward way and avoid bureaucratic language and jargon.

If you have any suggestions about how we can keep improving Stirling, please get in touch at stirlingmagazine@stirling.gov.uk

Formats

Copies of articles are available by request in a range of other languages, large print and on audio tape. To request articles in any of these formats. please email or write to Stirling, or call 0845 277 7000.

Contact

To contact Stirling Council, please call 0845 277 7000, text: 07717 990 001, email: info@stirling.gov.uk, visit us online at www.stirling.gov.uk or write to Stirling Council, Viewforth, 14-20 Pitt Terrace, Stirling FK8 2ET.

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your

News

Hotting up Hogmanay with a blast of Chilli

view

A Christmassy crowd There’s one red-hot Hogmanay Party to look forward to on 31 December, as a fabulous line-up led by the one and only Chilli Pipers, supported by Eddi Reader, brings in Stirling’s New Year at the Castle.

The boys can’t wait – “Awesome venue.

Awesome crowd. Awesome party.” – and neither can we.

Get your hands on some tickets today by phoning 01786 27 4000 (option 1/option 3) or 01786 473544. www.stirlinghogmanay.co.uk

Park and ride: Christmas special We’re arranging some extra services to help with the Christmas shopping Castleview & Springkerse Additional service from both sites on Sundays 4, 11 and 18 December 2011 from 10am-6pm.

Springkerse only An extra bus to supplement the normal service on Saturdays 3, 10, 17 and 24 December 2011 from 8am-6pm.

On Saturday 24 and Saturday 31 December, there will be an early finish at both sites at about 6pm.

Adult return £1.20; child return 60p; under-5s travel free. Single tickets available at half price. National Entitlement Card users travel free.

The Park and Ride Service will not be running on 25, 26 and 27 December and 1, 2 and 3 January.

For further information, please visit www.stirling.gov.uk/parkandride

Last year’s festive parade in Stirling city centre as captured by local photographer John McPake.

If you’d like to see your view in Stirling, email it with a little background information to stirlingmagazine@stirling.gov.uk

Sunday 20 November Lights, cameras, action!

Join the festive fun at the Christmas lights switch-on Santa and his faithful (and very cute) real reindeer helpers are coming to town to star in a special day of festive fun.

After Santa’s sleigh arrives in style on King Street, the reindeer will enjoy a nosh and nibble in their pen while Santa meets some of his fans and settles into his gift-laden grotto in the Thistles.

The Capital FM Roadshow crew will be at the foot of King Street all afternoon with games, giveaways and fantastic acts.

Pop sensation Tallia Storm, Stirling’s very own Heart of Scotland choir and the ever-amazing Stageworx will all make this an unmissable Christmas treat.

And at 5pm, as it gets dark, Provost Fergus Wood will be on hand to help with the switching on of the Christmas

Dragonfly the reindeer visited Stirling as a calf last winter from his home in the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, and will be back this Christmas. He’s very tame and friendly and loves being fed by hand.

When he’s three he’ll start his sleigh-pulling training.

To find out more about the reindeer herd, visit www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk

lights – the official start of the presentbuying season! You’d better be good for goodness’ sake, because this is one day of Christmas celebrations no-one’s going to want to miss. stirling.gov.uk

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News

In Brief Council homes budget Stirling Council has been awarded £600,000 for 20 new council homes, including six bungalows for older people in both Cowie and Riverside and eight new homes in Thornhill.

Helping the homeless Housing charity Shelter has congratulated Stirling Council for the progress it has made on homelessness reforms.

Scottish Government statistics published in September show that the Council is on track to achieve its 2012 commitment to give every unintentionally homeless person in Stirling the right to a home.

We’re here to help you We’re introducing a new, simplified Stirling Council complaints and comments scheme.

Wherever possible we’ll try to sort out any problems there and then, but if you would still like to make a complaint, there will be a straightforward process and we’ll reply within a set time.

Keep an eye out for our vibrant new website on www.stirling.gov.uk Are you registered to vote?

As Stirling goes to press, more than 9,800 households in the Stirling Council area have still to return their annual voter registration form.

If you haven’t yet responded and the registered electors in your household are the same, simply get in touch by email, telephone, text or by post to let us know it’s “no change”.

Any changes, including new 16 and 17-year-old residents, must be included on the form before it is signed and returned by post, fax or email attachment.

More information, additional forms and advice on voter registration are available at www.saa.gov.uk/ central or tel 01786 892289.

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Audit report Stirling Council’s clear vision for the area, strong political leadership, effective crossparty working, governance and scrutiny, and strong management leadership of improvement and change are all highlighted in Audit Scotland’s latest Best Value Audit report.

The council’s overall performance is rated as good – the second-highest category possible. Prospects for future improvements are also assessed as good.

Good progress is shown to have been made on the improvement actions from the last Best Value Audit in 2005. These include: scrutiny arrangements performance management and public reporting taking a longer-term approach to and involving councillors more in budget planning resource management in areas including asset management and procurement.

Service improvements highlighted include: schools and education facilities Park and Ride facilities regeneration in Raploch

community safety initiatives leisure facilities.

The report draws attention to good progress being made in reshaping services for older people, with more emphasis on care at home.

On child protection, the council is found to be taking effective action on all the agreed areas for improvement; roads maintenance has improved although the overall condition of roads remains poor; and the housing management service is assessed as fair. A housing service action plan is already in place.

The promotion of partnership working across the Forth Valley in areas such as child protection, asset management and shared services is welcomed.

Stirling Council’s change programme is found to have

Get ready for winter It’s a good idea to check over your building before the start of

The full report is available at www.audit-scotland.gov.uk

The council’s overall performance is rated as good – the second-highest category possible. Prospects for future improvements are also assessed as good

Taking care of our buildings Many buildings in the Stirling area suffer if they are not properly and regularly maintained.

Putting off repairs may save money in the short term, but will inevitably lead to an even bigger bill later on. Dealing with defects as they arise really is the most cost-effective way of looking after your building.

helped make efficiencies, and the report welcomes the major shared services agreement with Clackmannanshire Council to jointly manage Education and Social Work.

Areas for action include community planning arrangements within Stirling itself, further development of performance management, and workforce planning across the organisation.

winter and attend to any minor problems. Look out for loose or missing slates or tiles, loose masonry and so on.

What can the council do?

Councils have powers to require repairs to be carried out in a variety of circumstances, including: failure of an owner to

contribute to common repairs disrepair which is likely to cause further deterioration of a building immediate action needed for reasons of safety or to prevent damage, for example, a burst pipe in the property above public health issue, for example penetrating dampness risk that a building will become dangerous if a repair is not carried out.

Building owners should be aware that failure to carry out any works required in some formal notices served by the council is an offence.

For more advice, phone the environmental health service on 0845 2777000 and ask for the public health team.

News

In Brief Improving street safety New regulations for retailers and other businesses covering the use of promotional A-boards are publicised in a new leaflet from Stirling Council.

Councillor Jim Thomson, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “Vibrant shopping streets benefit everyone in the Stirling area, but our streets must be safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.

“These regulations have been prepared in consultation with local businesses and with advice from expert organisations including Guide Dogs for the Blind.”

Cleaning up in Balfron New litter bins have been installed on Buchanan Street, Cotton Street and Roman Road in Balfron with help from Balfron High School pupils as part of the Cleaner Routes to School campaign.

The school, hoping to achieve its third Eco Schools green flag award this month, takes a zero tolerance approach to litter.

Annual report now online Stirling Council’s annual report 2010-11 is now online.

You can read the full document at www.stirling.gov.uk/ annualreporting

Magazine is a student hit A Stirling magazine spin-off aimed at and written by students was a hit at Freshers’ Week earlier in the autumn. Media and communication students Dani Gibson and Nicholas Reid were joint editors of Stirling Welcomes Students, which includes a run-down of all the area has to offer young people, whether culture vultures, shopaholics, sports fans or party animals! Dani and Nicholas gained work experience with the council’s communications team over the summer break.

Beechwood Park just got better!

Friends of Beechwood Park from across the local community, including Torbrex Community Council, gathered for a Day of Celebration in early September to mark the completion of new play facilities and other improvements to the park. The work, carried out by the council’s land services team, was part of the Beechwood Park Masterplan.

Save money on your energy bills Local people are to benefit from free help to save on energy bills, with a grant of £285,000 announced for the Stirling area for the next phase of the Scottish Government’s Universal Home Insulation Scheme.

The scheme aims to provide free energy-saving measures for private homeowners and private tenants in most need. It will cover more than 10,000 homes in areas including Bannockburn, Hillpark, Fallin, Kippen, Killin, Deanston, Thornhill and Buchlyvie.

Householders received letters

last month inviting them to contact Carillion Energy Services, who are acting as the programme delivery manager on behalf of Stirling Council.

On average, up to £300 a year can be saved on energy bills by taking simple steps – for example, improving loft insulation or draught proofing around doors and windows.

Meanwhile, the council has joined up with Clyde Insulation Contracts (UK) Ltd to offer a one-off council tax rebate for private homeowners or private

sector tenants who install loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation through our approved contractor.

Contact the Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 and let them know you are a Stirling Council tax payer interested in the Council Tax Discount Scheme for insulation measures.

To find more about the Universal Home Insulation Scheme, please contact Brian Cree in housing services on 01786 443569.

Blue Badge scheme update The 40-year-old Blue Badge is being revised after consultation with disabled people, councils and other organisations.

The scheme is for people with severe mobility problems, and allows Blue Badge holders to park close to where they need to go.

The changes, to come in

from 1 January 2012, are designed to help make sure that badges are issued fairly, and that the scheme can cope with rising demand and remains sustainable for those disabled people who rely on it most.

Eligibility criteria will be extended and assessment,

administration and enforcement of the scheme improved. The design of the badges will also change.

Stirling Council is working with Transport Scotland to plan the introduction of the scheme in our area. More information will be available soon.

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Social care

Shopping scheme helps older people stay independent

Arriving shortly: the Stirling Food Train Shopping scheme

The Food Train, an award-winning Scottish charity that supports older people at home by collecting their shopping lists and delivering their groceries to the door, is setting up in Stirling. The organisation, supported by the Scottish Government and already established in several other council areas, is working in partnership with Stirling Council.

“The system is simple,” explained regional co-ordinator Fran Thow. “We provide a template as a blank shopping list which you complete with the groceries you need.

“It’s collected by our volunteers, the items are bought and delivered back to you, at which point you pay for your shopping. There’s a £3 delivery charge.”

“The Food Train is a great example of helping older people to enjoy living independently in their own homes for as long as possible,” said Councillor Graham Houston, council leader and portfolio holder for social care.

“We are constantly looking at how we can improve the services we offer to those who need it most. It is crucial that our resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“This is another opportunity for us to work effectively in partnership with the voluntary sector to support older and

“The Food Train is a great example of helping older people to enjoy living independently in their own homes for as long as possible” 6

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Social care

Contributing to the cost of your care Charges

Stirling Council provides a range of care services to help people stay independent in their own home for as long as possible.

Many of these services – such as reablement, intermediate care and personal care for people aged over 65 – are free. There is a charge for some other services such as non-personal care.

We have recently revised our charging policy for some of these services and this may mean that a contribution to the cost of care is required. Any contribution to the cost of care has been based on the individual’s ability to pay and people will be asked to pay what they can afford.

“The council is keen that everyone receives advice on benefits they are entitled to”

Delivering to your doorstep

vulnerable people in our community. I wish The Food Train every success in finding the volunteers they need.”

Existing users of the Council’s shopping service will be given priority as The Food Train gets under way. If you would like to join as a new customer, you must be unable to or have difficulty getting your own grocery shopping. You can make a request yourself to join in the scheme, or be referred by others.

There are no forms to fill in and the service can begin immediately.

“You can use the service weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and short term or long term – whatever suits,” added Fran.

Can you spare some time to help?

Would you be interested in becoming a Food Train volunteer? There are positions for volunteer shoppers, delivery drivers and delivery helpers.

To find out more, contact Frances Thow, regional co-ordinator.

Call: 07720 971946 or 01786 450536 Email: fran@thefoodtrain.co.uk web: www.thefoodtrain.co.uk

The contribution is based on the individual’s care services received, their level of income, the level of savings they have and the amount they have to pay out in essential housing costs such as rent, mortgage, council tax and insurance.

Stirling Council is keen that everyone receives information and advice on benefits they are entitled to and we are currently visiting service users to assist with claiming these.

We wrote to service users in October 2011 explaining whether a contribution to the cost of their care was required and, if so, how much this would be.

Any contribution will begin from 12 December 2011 and this will be included in the invoice we send out week beginning 30 January 2012.

If anyone thinks we have made a mistake with their details or thinks the amount of the contribution is more than they can afford to pay, please get in touch and we will check.

Telephone the Helpline 01786 442460 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) Email: moneyadvice@stirling.gov.uk Web: www.stirling.gov.uk/ contributingtoyourcare Visit: Customer First, 1 – 5 Port Street, Stirling FK8 2EJ (9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday)

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One-stop shop

Staff at Customer First can help with a wide range of queries, from council tax to bus times

Day Life: Customer in the

Stirling meets the staff and customers at the council’s new one-stop advice shop

By Deborah Kilpatrick

It’s mid-September and Customer First opens its doors to a blustery Stirling. The one-stop shop has been open since May and business has been brisk.

First to blow in the door today is local lass Carol Morgan and although she’s a bit worried about her hair when I ask to take a photo – “I got soaked coming here!” she laughs – she loves Customer First so much that her cheery attitude really brightens up a dreich day.

‘This is my third or fourth time here,” she tells me. “The people who work here are so friendly, they make you feel welcome and you never have to wait long. It’s also great that it’s right in the centre of town, so there are no hills to go up, which is good for older people.

“I usually come in to sort out my housing benefit and council tax, but the advisers help with all sorts of things.

They’re brilliant. It makes you want to come back. I love the style of the place too, especially the chairs.

“This place is the best thing that could have happened for Stirling. It 8

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First

“The people who work here are so friendly. They make you feel welcome and you never have to wait long. This place is the best thing that could have happened for Stirling.”

Carol Morgan

should have been here years ago!”

There’s an adviser waiting to help Carol with her payment, so I leave her in peace and have a chat with Visit Scotland’s Pamela Naismith. She’s a fount of local knowledge and as we speak, a couple of windswept Italian tourists come in asking where the Old Town is. She points them in the right direction and gives them a map.

“The main office is still in the Old Town jail,” she explains, “but we have lots of enquiries from tourists looking for accommodation and information, both for Stirling and elsewhere in Scotland.”

Pamela barely has time for breath before a student appears asking for bus times. She quickly searches the net and finds information on the next bus back to the university.

“Freshers’ week at the university is always a busy time,” she says. “We book accommodation for parents and give advice on how to get around.

“We can also help local people with travel plans.”

There’s a bit of a lull – anyone

David Clark

brave enough to be on the street in the storm seems to be rushing to get home – so I join the customer advisers for a quick chat.

“There’s no typical day here,” they explain. “That’s part of the reason we like it. The main thing people come in to do is make payments, sort out housing benefit and council tax, see the registrar or ask for directions, but you never know what the next person will ask.

“Customers might come looking for three different things. Even if all the help they need isn’t here, we can phone the right person or arrange for them to be phoned back later at home.”

It’s lunchtime and most of the people who’ve been in have made payments.

“Today we’ve been a bit quieter because of the weather. Thursdays and Fridays are really busy because our colleagues from HM Revenue and Customs are here then.

“We do still take some phone calls, but they can take time and we usually have people waiting to see us, so we encourage phone customers to call the contact centre on 0845 277 7000 instead.”

Stirling’s own money-saving expert Sandra Sankey, upstairs at Customer First, is my next stop. I’m not the most organised when it comes to finances, so I’m hoping for some tips.

Sandra explains what she does: “We help people in financial difficulties and answer any money-related query, looking at ways to maximise people’s income, reduce spending, make sure they’re getting the right benefits and help with debt.

“We can also act on people’s behalf,

negotiating with agencies they owe money to.

“Some of the other things we deal with are emergencies. Many people are in such bad financial trouble that they don’t have any of the basics, no money at all to survive. In those circumstances we help access emergency money and food.

Marriage break-ups can lead to mortgage arrears and threats of homelessness. We can advise and even try to step in to prevent this happening.

“We look at the reasons people got into debt in the first place. All sorts of things can make us lose control of our finances – loss of a job or even a change in life circumstances such as moving house or having a baby. If we know the background, it helps us negotiate on their behalf.

“When we look at the whole picture, it often turns out there’s a family

stirling.gov.uk

One-stop shop

“The job centre referred me here for help getting back to work. I haven’t worked for a couple of years but I want to see what they can do for me.”

background of money trouble and we help more than one family member.

“Assessing all that can take a long time.

It’s not unknown for clients to come along with carrier bags stuffed full of unopened mail they’ve been putting in a drawer or down their sofa for years.

They may not know basic information such as who their mortgage company is, so we have to start from scratch to try and find all that out,” explains Sandra.

“Everybody’s situation is completely different. We don’t judge. We give an overview of our service and then let people choose if they want our help or not.

“A lot of people don’t know how to manage their money. They don’t know how to cover essential living costs, budget or prioritise. Our role has an element of education, helping show what the consequences are and empowering clients to take control of their own finances.”

Sandra adds: “There can be a lot of crossover with other services based at Customer First.

“One case involved a young man with learning difficulties who lived with his mother. When she died, he came to Customer First and we were able to help in a number of different ways.

“His local co-ordinator was upstairs in this building, and the registrar is also based here, so we were able to help him make the necessary arrangements.

“But the assistance didn’t stop there.

His household income had gone down, so Employability stepped in to try and help him find work. We looked at his benefits, and the housing services based here helped him fill in the forms to make the necessary changes.

“It’s good that this young man was able to come to us. This place has opened up access to a range of services because people are much more inclined to come in and see us. Before, they might have simply struggled on alone.

We now deal with more queries, rather than just referrals.”

9

Civic pride

ou Did yw kno o?m 1288 of

fr a record hunter in There is olf w a r t fo e paymen bly for th presuma , g in rl ti S rk King’s Pa

Stirling’s civic coat of arms The shield is decorated with two caltrops (iron spikes) and two rowels (spiked wheels on a horse’s spurs), representing the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

The Scottish Lion Rampant on the shield indicates the former close association of the Royal Stewarts with the Stirling area.

The supporters are a goshawk, representing the Drummonds, who were for centuries the principal family of southern Perthshire and were founders of Callander in 1739, and a wolf, representing the former Royal Burgh of Stirling.

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stirling.gov.uk

Saved by the wolf The wolf comes from a legend about old Stirling.

One night, the Vikings were sneaking up to attack the town. The guard had fallen asleep, but

a wolf on the crag was alert to the danger and howled until the sentry woke. The Danish attack was thwarted thanks to the wolf’s warning.

Vote !

Civic pride

A motto for Stirling

your

Help us choose the words that sum up the spirit of our area What are the words that sum up the Stirling area and its people – that speak about who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going? Words that resonate today and will still have meaning hundreds of years from now?

The Stirling coat of arms doesn’t currently have a motto, and Provost Fergus Wood is leading the drive to find one.

“One of my proudest duties is to welcome visitors from around the world to Stirling, and that often includes showing delegations around our Council Chambers at Viewforth, where the civic coat of arms is displayed on the wall,” he said.

“There’s a great story behind why we have a wolf on our crest [see box] that everyone enjoys, but visitors often ask if there’s a Stirling motto, too. So the Provost’s Panel decided to invite a

Mottos of other areas of Scotland include: Aberdeen – Bon Accord Clackmannanshire – Look Aboot Ye East Ayrshire – Forward Together Edinburgh – Nisi Dominus Frustra South Ayrshire – Ne’er Forget the People South Lanarkshire – Vigilantia West Dunbartonshire – Strength Through Community West Lothian – Aye for the Common Weal.

group of eminent local historians, writers, constitutional experts and friends of Stirling to help us find one.

“We asked that it should be in either English or Old Scots, although on occasion it may be appropriate to use a Gaelic translation.

“Our area is increasingly recognised nationally and internationally as ‘Stirling: Scotland’s heart’, but a motto would be special – something for Stirling people ourselves, that brings us together, capturing what’s unique about us and the place we live in.”

A shortlist has been drawn up with guidance from Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Director Dr Elspeth King, and Stirling readers are invited to vote. Community councils are also being invited to vote. Results will be considered by the Provost’s Panel.

make your choice ✂

Option 1

Option 2

STEADFAST AS THE ROCK

HEID HIGH AND GANG FORRIT

Like their Castle perched on a Rock, the people of the Stirling area have stood proud and steadfast through the ages. Rock solid, loyal and resolute – like so many characters from our past, and like the troops who have fought for freedom all over the world over the years from their Castle home.

There’s always been something determined, positive and forwardlooking in the Stirling spirit, and here’s a rallying cry in Old Scots that captures it. In good times and bad, Stirling area folk simply keep going forward, with heads held high. A motto that speaks of our past and looks to our future.

Please tick the box to show which motto you prefer. Cut out this voting slip, and return to: The Civic Office, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET You can also hand in your vote at your local office, local library or Customer First at 1-5 Port Street, Stirling. Or vote online by sending an email with your preferred choice to stirlingmagazine@ stirling.gov.uk Thank you.

Closing date: 21 November 2011

stirling.gov.uk

11

Planning the future

Our vision for the future…

The Local Development Plan sets out how we think Stirling will look in decades to come – and you can have your say

What do we want Stirling to be like 20 years from now?

For the past 18 months, the Council’s planning team has been consulting with local people, community groups, developers and others to create a Local Development Plan that sets out a shared vision for our area. This is the detailed picture that has emerged.

A Stirling that’s: ... proud of its past and excited about its future ... cherishing a magnificent historic heritage while also flourishing as a modern, vibrant and healthy area – a place where people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time centred on a fine, small, walkable city well-connected to the big conurbations and towns of central Scotland and Tayside part of a growing Central Scotland “Green Network”, linking the attractive small towns and villages

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around the city. The network aims to restore and transform the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east. ... leading the way in business and learning ... attracting more businesses and supporting the development of successful and expanding ones making it possible for more people to be able to work close to or from home, and in the city centre developing as a “learning city”; known for its university, sharing in the Forth Valley College network, and with more learning-related businesses ... providing for the needs of local people ... more affordable housing fewer pockets of deprivation in urban and rural areas reduced levels of social polarisation.

DROP-IN CONSULTATION SESSIONS ARE BEING HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

How to comment on the plan

Wednesday 16 November, Thornhill, Thornhill Community Hall, 2-8pm Friday 18 November, Dunblane, Braeport Centre, 2-8pm Thursday 24 November, Balfron, McLintock Hall, 3-9pm Friday 25 November, Buchlyvie, Buchlyvie Village Hall, 3-9pm Saturday 26 November, City Centre, On-street at Murray Place (Farmers’ Market), 10-4pm Friday 2 December, Killearn, Killearn Parish Hall, 3-9pm

The Draft Proposed Local Development Plan guides the future use of land and indicates where development should happen and where it should not.

The Draft Proposed Plan is currently out for consultation until 16 December 2011. You can view it at local libraries, council offices and online at www.stirling.gov.uk/localdevplan.

stirling.gov.uk

Wednesday 7 December, Doune & Deanston, Muir Hall, Doune, 2-8pm Friday 9 December, Fintry, Menzies Hall, 2-8pm Saturday 10 December, Bridge of Allan / Causewayhead, Wallace High School, 10-4pm Monday 12 December, Fallin, Fallin Library, 10-12pm & 2-6pm Tuesday 13 December, Plean, Plean Library, 10-1pm & 2-5pm Thursday 15 December, Cowie, Cowie Library, 3-7pm

We would love to have your comments. Please email: ldp@stirling.gov.uk or write to Planning and Policy, Viewforth, Stirling. Drop-in consultation sessions are also being held throughout the Stirling area.

Details of the session nearest to you are on the left.

Planning the future

Q&A with Stirling Council leader Cllr Graham Houston Q: Councillor Houston, there has been a lot of consultation with local communities in developing the draft Local Development Plan to find out what people feel is special about their area. What do you feel is special about Stirling?

A: I think it’s our position at Scotland’s heart – wherever you are in the Stirling area there’s easy access to great open space and a fine historic and natural environment, as well as excellent amenities and transport links to the rest of the country.

Q: How important is it to have the views of local people and businesses at the centre of this process?

A: It’s essential. The Local Development Plan is designed to improve Stirling for everyone.

We’re grateful to everyone who has already become involved, and are always keen to encourage more people to give their views.

Q: How have councillors been involved in shaping the plan?

A: Across the parties, we’ve all been attending public meetings and briefings, and encouraging and supporting the public consultation process. The Local Development Plan Group, comprising elected members from all parties, has met 20 times over the past 18 months to consider and inform all aspects of the proposed plan.

Q: How would you describe the Stirling area you would like to see in 20 years’ time?

A: Caring, successful and aspirational; supported by quality and sustainable development in the right places, to meet the changing needs of our communities and businesses.

How the plan will benefit the whole community In the countryside more small groups of houses more woodland more recreational activities, and facilities closer to the city some different land uses, for example biomass crops different aims of land management, such as reducing flood risk and maintaining biodiversity more renewable energy generation (wind, hydro and other sources) and grid enhancements to support it.

In Stirling’s villages and smaller towns peripheral housing developments providing more affordable housing, and housing for older people in a few locations, close to the city, more substantial new housing, new or expanded primary schools and regenerated village centres more premises to support local business, retail and tourism some local renewable power generation, for example wind turbines and communal biomass boilers local waste management and recycling sites allotments, community orchards and other local food production enterprises.

At Durieshill Durieshill is a new village planned for a site to the west of Plean and south of Pirnhall roundabout. It will help meet the rising demand for housing in the Stirling area by 2033, the Local Development Plan sees the development of Durieshill well advanced, with substantial housing,

secondary and primary schools and community facilities, transport and business developments. The village’s planned landscape will be part of the Green Network.

In the city new housing areas (including within adjusted Green Belts) with new primary schools, bus, walking and cycle routes, sustainable drainage features and waste recycling facilities more affordable housing and more housing for people with particular needs, especially older people a vibrant, much-improved city centre with increased retail and office space in good quality buildings more business and retail space generally – a variety of types, and well connected with housing areas improvements to existing housing and industrial areas with good-quality green space a thriving university and college, perhaps now with a “satellite” campus more Park and Ride sites, pedestrianised streets and cycle tracks, and more opportunities for walking some local-district renewable power generation, such as domestic wind turbines, solar panels, communal biomass boilers and so on local/district waste management and recycling sites local food production, such as allotments and community orchards developments and Green Network enhancements enabling the River Forth to contribute much more to the quality of life in the city.

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Events and activities

What’s on Sunday

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Tuesday

Yippee! table

un Infla Family F in the pool at Sessions every Sunday the Peakm and Fridays at 1.30p – with a new m at 7.30p st Commando f r e sup aqua run a

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Your essential pullarea. For more infor

20 November Santa parade and Christmas lights switch on Dark Holler IV Exploring Western swing. With fiddle tutor Pete Clark and guitar tutor Jack Evans. Workshops and daytime performance for intermediate/advanced 16+. Call 01786 274000 for details RNLI Reindeer Run, 10.30 am, Stirling University

STIRLING.GOV.UK

y rarnt ib l e new agemin n ma ystem ing s tirl s S all rarie lib

29 November-31 December Polar Molar, Macrobert. £7.50/£8.50, call 01786 466 666 Join us for a wonderful Christmas tale, entertaining and a wee bit silly, for ages 3+, their families and all polar bear fans...

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10am-3pm, Abbey Action Day Come along and he a variety of tasks, i battling vegetation clearing ditches an drainage pipes

Until 7 January 201 Jackie and the Bean Macrobert. Tickets call 01786 466 666 This year’s panto a Macrobert is a grea mas treat not to be

Folk legend Jimmie MacGregor, Ticket 01786 274000

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10am-3pm, Plean C Park’s Action Day Calling all voluntee muddy fun in the w with the control of Rhododendron pon

Skerryvore, 8pm, T Tickets £14 advanc door/£10 for under The ‘boyband’ of Sc traditional music re combining bagpipe accordions with ur

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help with including n and nd

12, nstalk, s £7-16.50, 6 at the at Christe missed!

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Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, 8pm, Tolbooth Tickets £12/£10, call 01786 27400

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Country

ers for a day of woods. Help f the invasive nticum

9am-3.30pm Bridge Drystane Dyking,£10 , call ts ke Tic . of Allan 08452 777 000 me of learn so Join an expert to an nt craft. the skills of this encie ts provided. hm res ref d an Tools ch and wear Bring a packed lun ing, sturdy th clo te ria op appr gloves if rk wo d an s boot em. th ve ha u yo

Koom Records Presents: Celtic Flame 8pm, Tolbooth Tickets £14/£12, call 01786 27400

25 2 Traditional singer and fiddle player Bella Hardy with her new festive tour, Bright Morning Star, 8pm, Tolbooth.

Tickets £12/£10, call 01786 274000

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vy Bev8pm, ets e Th ers, Tick 786 . t Sis ooth all 01 c b , l To /£10 4000 £12 27

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Roddy Woomble’s Christmas Hootenanny, 8pm, Tolbooth.

Tickets £17/£15, call 01786 274000 The Tolbooth’s annual Christmas wonderland show is back with a one-off gig by indie singersongwriter Roddy Woomble

Tak t he locae to l librkids one o ary for Ch f their themeristmasd sessioBookbug storyns and times.

Fathe mightr Christmas even v isit!

g Fa Market’s on tormers’ d enjoy fresh, lo ay – produce, delic cal home baking an ious d more

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Reloaded: od Jones’ Th Birthday SuR it and suppore t, 7pm, Tolbooth Tickets £7.50 . , call 01786 2740 00

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Tummy rumbling?

The Stirlin

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Reloaded 2, 7pm, Tolbooth Tickets £4 advance/£5 on door, call 01786 274000

Go back to the ’80s with a themed ice disco at the Peak, 6-8pm, for all ages.

Tickets must be purchased at the Peak and booking is essential

The Chair, 8pm, Tolbooth. Tickets £12/£10, call 01786 274000 Orcadian eight-piece The Chair bring together fiddles, accordion, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and percussion to get people on the dance floor Christmas Ice Disco at the Peak, 6-8pm.

Booking essential, purchase tickets at the Peak

Christmas Ceilidhs, Tolbooth.

Afternoon Ceilidh 3-5pm, £8 or four for £24. Evening Ceilidh 8-11pm, £10 or 4 for £32 What better way to spend the weekend before Christmas than celebrating Scottish style?

December

e ts £12, call

Tolbooth. ce /£16 on r-18s cottish eturn, es, fiddle and rban rhythms

Friday

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Events and activities

-out guide to upcoming events in our rmation, visit www.stirling.gov.uk

COLOUR KEY: Sports events Outdoor events School and bank holidays Tourism, theatre etc

STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Community

Residents of all ages in Kippen have pulled together to raise an incredible £126,000 to create a fantastic multi-sports facility for the community Kippen Primary School pupils in high spirits over their new sports facility

LOCAL HEROES Residents of Kippen have raised £126,081 to upgrade a disused sports field for the school and local football team, which will be ready for use by the spring or early summer of 2012.

Stirling reporter Deborah Kilpatrick visited the village to meet some real local heroes…

“People came on board magnificently,” said Tom Connelly, chair of Kippen Sports Development Ltd. “Kippen residents helped us by working voluntarily to raise the money from grants and local fundraising and what these local professionals have given of their time is invaluable.”

The field had been unused for five years because of serious drainage problems and mole hills – meaning 16

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young people living in the village had no sports facility.

“If we don’t give our young people this, we’re not laying the foundations of their future in sport,” added Tom. The children at Kippen Primary School are all looking forward to using the new field. After raising the funds, the local community decided not only to bring football back to Kippen, but to turn the field into a multi-sports facility and social hub for the village, giving groups such as the Kippen Youth Project the opportunity to use the pavilion.

Pupils ranging in age from 5 to 11 said they can’t wait to have sports days there, as well as try out all sorts of different sports.

Work began earlier this year and

progress was swift. A new drainage system and reseeding transformed the field. The pavilion was renovated, with new plumbing, showers and a kitchen added, with a comfortable social area and seating and barbecue facilities outside for family and community use.

There’s now a brand-new path to the pavilion and a path round the field has been upgraded. Banking by the side of it, which was badly eroded, has been shored up using turf removed from areas of grass in Stirling to create the “On the Verge” bee conservation project’s flower beds. A running track will also be created.

Tom said: “The field will be used for football, inter-sports competitions, the Kippen Primary School Sports Festival and Active Stirling sessions – there’s talk

Community

Community support for the project “We are particularly enthused by the primary objective of the project being to encourage the community to adopt a healthier lifestyle by taking more exercise outdoors” Local GP practice

Improving paths was one of the tasks carried out by the Community Payback team

“I’ve learned new social skills – how to work with other people” Alan Turner

of rugby, lacrosse, shinty, netball and even cricket. There will also be an opportunity to revive the Highland Games – which was what the field was mainly used for between the two World Wars.

“The running track will allow athletic training and encourage regular exercise and there are also plans to run hill races from the field.”

And the benefits don’t stop there: “We hope having this facility will focus our young people’s energy productively and help residents have healthier lifestyles. There will also be a greater sense of community and empowerment once the project is completed,” added Tom. Much of this invaluable work has been completed by a team from the Community Payback Task Force, working unpaid to repay the community for antisocial or minor crimes. A spokesperson for the Social Work Inspection Agency, which oversees the supervision of community offenders, said:

“Almost 75 per cent of those serving short-term custodial sentences will reoffend within two years, and that figure is almost halved for those given community sentences.”

Alan Turner and Kevin Boon, from Raploch and Cornton in Stirling, were both referred by Stirling’s Criminal Justice team. Labouring in all weather conditions, they both agreed the work has given them a sense of purpose and a desire to work.

Alan said: “I’ve been here since the start of the project. When I first started, we painted the inside of the pavilion and now it’s nearly finished.

“I’ve learned new skills, such as how to use proper gardening tools and also social skills – how to get on and work with other people.”

Kevin added: “Having the work means we’re not hanging around bored and getting into mischief. I enjoy the work too. We’ve got these skills now and we want to work. We’d both do any job, if we can get one afterwards.”

“We enthusiastically support the project to upgrade the old football park and pavilion” Village butcher and postman

“This project will give children in Kippen a wonderful opportunity to play and become involved in sports within their local community” Kippen Primary Parent Council Pupils of Kippen Primary also gave their support...

“Please help us to bring Kippen’s football pitch back to a good standard” “Lots of people in the village would use it and maybe other people from other villages could come and use it” “We need to get rid of the lumps, bumps and mole hills. They really get in the way when you are playing sports” stirling.gov.uk

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Recycling

Food for thought Your leftover meals can be put to good use – from compost to dog food ZERO WASTE CAMPAIGN

The Zero Waste team at Stirling Council is currently focusing on food waste management.

At the moment, each year in Stirling we send 6,000 tons of food to landfill and it makes up a third of the weight of rubbish in most people’s grey bins.

If it was all composted instead, we’d save a huge amount of money – more than £300,000.

The environmental costs are even higher. In landfill, old food gets buried and creates methane gas, which has a much worse impact on global climate change than carbon dioxide. It has other effects too – the bad smell you’ve probably noticed as you drive past the landfill at Grangemouth is one of the most tangible.

“We want to understand why people do or don’t recycle leftover food,” waste services manager David Hopper said.

In October, a survey ran for three weeks over three routes: Riverside, Dunblane and Fallin. Six hundred households took part and collection teams and focus 18

stirling.gov.uk

groups were also involved. The survey was still ongoing when this article went to print, but you’ll find results on the council’s website.

In line with the survey findings, a food waste promotion campaign will be run from January to March to encourage as many people as possible to undertake their duty to recycle their food waste.

We all have a responsibility to recycle our food waste – and even better, not to waste food in the first place.

The next best thing is to make your own home compost. If you’re a keen gardener, this is the best and cheapest way to feed your plants and vegetables. You can get bins from any garden centre and advice from www. zerowastescotland.org.uk or www. gardenorganic.

org.uk/composting Even if you are not a keen gardener, you can still home compost. In January 2012, Forth Valley Environment Link will be running a master composter programme. This is a great opportunity to learn about home composting techniques and discover a great resource in your rubbish.

If you’re interested in going along or would like further information, call Forth Environment Link on 01786 449215 or e-mail biodiversity@ forthenvironmentlink.org Often, whether or not we recycle comes down to how we manage the food waste in our kitchens. Corrinne Douglas, a mum of two from Bannockburn, has found a great solution: “I put any leftovers in a Tupperware box and then pop it in the fridge. That way it doesn’t smell and I can just put it in a lined food waste bin every couple of days.”

And food waste bins are not the only way to use up old food or peels – “They can go to chickens or dogs,” David Hopper said. “It’s

Recycling

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Food waste tips You’ll also find great advice, recipes and tools on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

better quality food than dog food and means they get more variety in their diet.”

The easiest and most hygienic way is to use compostable liners, which can be bought in every supermarket, and there’s also a limited supply available free from Customer First on Port Street.

As an alternative, newspaper can be used to wrap leftovers in or if necessary they can go straight into the food waste bin.

After your food waste is collected, it’s taken to a state-ofthe-art plant near Cumbernauld, where it’s digested by bacteria to create bio-gas, which is converted into power.

This power is then fed into the National Grid, to provide electricity for homes and

businesses.

The process also creates a biofertiliser that can be used in agriculture as an alternative to chemical fertilisers.

You can recycle all types of food waste, including meat and even chicken and fish bones, as well as fruit and vegetable peelings.

All food leftovers and plate scrapings can be recycled via the kerbside recycling service, collected on a weekly basis alongside your blue box recycling in food waste caddies.

For further advice and information, check the council’s rubbish and recycling site on www.stirling.gov.uk or call us on 0845 2777 000.

Get the portion size right – use the calculator on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Plan meals in advance and make a shopping list before you go to buy groceries.

Keep an eye on the use-by dates.

Check them before you put them in your trolley and if you buy in bulk and the use-by dates are coming up soon, freeze what you can’t use straight away.

Stock up your store cupboard with essentials like

tinned tuna and beans, olives, herbs and spices and rice and pasta. That way you can throw together a quick “ready meal” when you’re short of time.

Get clever with leftovers. A roast chicken can give you two or three days’ worth of meals – use scraps of meat in sandwiches and boil the carcass up for delicious soup.

Check your fridge.

Make sure there’s nothing hidden at the back of the fridge that needs to be used up.

stirling.gov.uk

19

Winter planning

Gearing up for winter The extreme weather in 2010 had a huge impact. This year, plans are in place to ensure disruption to the community is minimised – and we all have a role to play Last winter was the secondcoldest in Scotland in the last 100 years.

After two exceptionally cold winters in a row, we reviewed our performance, listened to the views of local communities and set up a working group to see where lessons could be learned.

This year, we’re investing in more equipment, setting new priorities – and offering extra support to you, the community, to help keep Stirling on the move.

On these two pages, you can read about what the council will be doing to keep our roads and pavements safe for everyone.

And on the following two pages, find out how we’re helping you play your part.

Roads The council manages and maintains about 998kms of local roads. To keep Stirling moving in the winter, we work closely with local people and our partner organisations, and make sure that we use our limited resources as effectively as possible.

We’re committed to making as large an area as possible accessible as quickly as possible.

However, there will always be a limit to the equipment, roads teams and salt available.

We’re not able to keep all

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roads free from snow and ice all the time. We can’t stop ice from forming.

Once salt is applied, it still takes time to melt the ice.

And even with constant ploughing, we can’t stop heavy, continuous snow from lying.

To protect the most vulnerable people in our community and keep vital network routes running, the council has agreed which roads need to be treated first and most frequently. In severe conditions, we ask local

u Did yo ? knor 2w 010 was

Decembe -coldest in the second the last Scotland in a 100 ye rs.

people to help keep smaller roads and paths open.

Most Stirling Council area roads are divided into four priority groups. Here is how we decide the order that roads are cleared.

Priority one Snow and ice cleared 24 hours a day. Precautionary salt treatment.

All routes where the daily flow of traffic in both

directions is more than 800 vehicles daily.

Routes to emergency service bases, for example A&E departments, fire stations and ambulance depots.

Routes to primary and secondary schools from the nearest priority one route.

Park and Ride bus routes, on the days these services are running.

Priority two Ice and snow cleared when the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 600 vehicles and ice or snow are likely to continue beyond midday and for the next 12 hours.

Priority three Treated after 72 hours of adverse weather and with a further two days of bad conditions forecast.

Routes where the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 400 vehicles.

Priority four Treated after 120 hours of adverse weather and with a further five days of bad conditions forecast.

All other roads on the public roads network.

Priority will be given to difficult junctions, gradients, bends or sharp inclines.

Pavement clearing priorities Pavements are treated depending on the number of people using them and where they are.

Priority is given to: places with a group of three or more essential premises such as food shops and post offices steps and ramps to underpasses and bridges pavements connecting shopping areas to public buildings outside individual essential premises in shopping centres pavements at sheltered housing and residential homes for older people.

How to stay safe on the roads

Winter planning

The Wallace Monument peeks out from the snow

If possible, park your car off the road. This keeps the way clear for snowploughs and waste and recycling collection lorries.

Plan journeys carefully. Check the weather forecast, and avoid using minor roads if possible.

Travel early, or the day before if possible, if heavy snow is expected. Consider changing your plans if roads are likely to become blocked. When driving, slow down, avoid sudden breaking, and use dipped headlights if the visibility is poor.

The blades of our gritters would be damaged if they cleared the roads right down to the black surface. A thin layer of white is left deliberately, and this is then treated with salt to melt the ice.

The Scottish Government provides a winter service the motorways and trunk roads that run through the Stirling Council area.

BEAR Scotland treat the M9 and M80 (including roundabouts and slip roads).

Tel 0800 138 9903.

TRANSERV Scotland treat the A82, A84 and A85.

Tel 0800 028 1414.

BEAR Scotland treat the A9.

Tel 0800 587 1108.

We have a range of snow-clearin g equipment to ke ep our roads moving

Keeping you informed During severe weather, it’s important that the community has up-to-date information about road and school closures, as well as access to safety advice.

The council has set up a number of ways for you to find out the latest news: MY STIRLING If you have signed up to the My Stirling service, alerts will be sent directly to your mobile about

any school or road closures or other disruptions to normal services.

More details at www.stirling. gov.uk/my

TWITTER Alerts to further information on the council website will be posted regularly on Twitter. We’ll also re-tweet important alerts from

other organisations including Central Scotland Police and Transport Scotland. www.twitter.com/ stirlingcouncil

FACEBOOK Last winter’s severe weather saw a huge rise in the number of people using the Stirling Council Facebook page to keep track of the latest news and get

up-to-the-minute advice. It was also a great way for us to understand what was happening in our communities. www.facebook.com/ stirlingcouncil

TEXT MESSAGES Make sure you’re signed up to receive texts from your child’s school. Most schools send text messages to parents’ mobile phones to let them know if bad winter weather forces a closure.

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Winter planning

Everyone can play a part in keeping their community moving this year, so …

Let’s work together new shovels which will be Neighbours, communities, community councils, Stirling available for the community to use.

Council, businesses, police We’re also working with and other organisations – community councils and we’re all in this together. other organisations to Working together is the way to keep Stirling moving develop severe weather plans. This will be piloted in this winter. one rural and one urban This year, we’re hoping community. we won’t see a repeat of the In your local area, you severe winters of the last can help by keeping the two years, but, with your pavements and paths outside help, we’re prepared to deal your property clear. with the worst that winter The council will have 475 can throw at us.

We all need to start getting salt bins across our area for use on public roads and ready now. Whether it’s at footpaths with particular home, in our communities hazards, such as a sharp and neighbourhoods, or bend or steep hill. behind the wheel, there are In smaller steps we can take to be communities, ready for the frost, bins will be snow and ice. provided for We have general invested an l ra e treatment additional n e more g There’s lots ful links and of the £100,000 this , use information e numbers on public winter to hon handy telep ent’s roads. prepare for m rn ve o G the Scottish rg .o Salt is bad weather. d n cotla www.readys bsite. there for Among the Winter we the benefit improvements

ut Find o more

we’ve made are buying 20 more tractor-mountable snowploughs that can be used by local farmers.

This means that more of the priority four network roads will be treated now – helping you get to work, back to school or to the shops.

The council has also bought more snow-clearing equipment, including 14 new snow blowers, footway snow clearing machines – and 500 22

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of the whole community, and shouldn’t be used on individual driveways.

In continuous bad weather, additional community salt/grit piles may be placed in prominent, accessible public areas for communities to help themselves.

Bins will be topped up regularly, as resources allow.

If your local bin is empty, let us know by calling 0845 277 7000.

Severe weather last year caused major problems across the country

Simple ways that If you’re able to, clear your own path and the pavement in front of your home. There is no law preventing you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside or on paths to your house.

Try to clear your path as soon as possible, before the snow gets trampled into hard-packed ice.

Think about where you’re going to put the snow so you’re not going to block someone else’s path or simply shift the problem somewhere else.

Don’t take any unnecessary risks in the road – traffic will find it difficult to stop quickly. Wear visible clothes and suitable shoes or boots.

Spreading grit on the area you’ve cleared can help prevent ice forming. Ordinary table salt, dishwater salt, sand or ash will work, too. Please remember that salt in the yellow bins is meant for use on public paths and roads.

Never use hot water to try to clear ice. The ice will melt at first, but if it turns to black ice it can cause a worse hazard.

Maybe you would be able to help clear a neighbour’s path if they’re not able to do this themselves.

Check the council’s website regularly for news about any disruptions to services. We always try to keep our schools open in bad

It’s everyone’s responsibility to watch out for older or vulnerable neighbours when the mercury plummets. If you can, pop round to check they’re okay and offer to lend a hand.

Make sure older people stay warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during the very cold weather.

Council staff – and residents – can play their part in clearing pavements

Here are some steps to help older or vulnerable people keep warm: Keep your home warm day and night. The main living room should be about 18-21˚C (64-70˚F) and the rest of the house at least 16˚C (61˚F). Use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while in bed.

Wrap up – several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible,

stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Keep active. Move around at least once an hour and don’t sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm.

Take plenty hot drinks and soups, and eat healthy hot meals.

Winter planning

Be neighbourly this winter

Worried about winter fuel bills?

Customer First, the council’s customer care centre, can help with money and benefits advice before the cold weather sets in. Drop in at 1-5 Port Street, Stirling or call 0845 277 7000.

If you’re over 60, claim your Winter Fuel Payment. Phone 08459 151515 for more information.

If you become worried about someone’s welfare, please don’t hesitate to contact Adult Social Care on 01786 471177. In an emergency, dial 999.

Top tips to keep you safe

you can help out weather, but in very severe conditions a decision may be taken not to open for safety reasons.

Closures will be highlighted on the front page of the website as early as possible in the morning. Updates will also be made on local radio.

Keep wheelie bins off the road, out of the way of snowploughs. If the collection rota needs to change because of the weather, or if we set up temporary bin and box collection points, we’ll post information on the council’s website and in local media.

We’re also working with community councils to develop a list of temporary collection points for areas that can get particularly icy.

These will be listed on our website

and marked with a traffic cone sign.

In poor conditions our recycling and waste collection service will slow down. We will be aware of the homes that have been missed, and we’ll collect from them as soon as possible. Only phone the contact centre if you believe your bin really has been missed out.

If you’re not sure, find out where your water supply stopcock is.

Stock up on tinned and frozen foods.

Gather important phone numbers. For example, the council’s customer contact centre is available 24 hours a day on 0845 277 7000 or 01786 443322, and Floodline’s round-theclock information service is on 0845 988 1188. NHS 24’s number is 08454 24 24 24.

Check your home contents insurance scheme to make sure you’re protected against loss due to events such as fire, water damage and so on.

Be vigilant Scottish Water’s winter code: protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home. And if you’re a holiday home owner, business, agent or landlord, please remember to look after any vacant properties.

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter for advice. stirling.gov.uk

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Winter health

Don’t bring in the bug Norovirus is highly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell, please postpone any visits to hospital Infection control specialists in NHS Forth Valley have launched a campaign to try to prevent an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug in hospitals.

They’re urging people to “Think norovirus” and remember that a bunch of flowers may not be the only gift they take in to wards if they are feeling unwell.

NHS Forth Valley senior infection control nurse, Lesley Shepherd, said: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, wait at least 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped before visiting.

“The winter vomiting disease can pass from one person to

another very easily and patients may have to stay in hospital longer because of norovirus.”

NHS Forth Valley director of public health, Dr Anne Maree Wallace, said: “Diarrhoea and vomiting are very common during the winter months, so we are appealing to people who may not feel well to help us by staying away until they feel better.”

“We are appealing to people who may not feel well to stay away”

Symptoms of norovirus include a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, headaches, fever and tiredness.

Although these symptoms usually resolve in 48-72 hours without complications, norovirus is highly contagious and unpleasant.

It is very difficult to prevent infection, but thorough hand washing is highly recommended.

If you have symptoms, you should not prepare food for others and if you are caring for someone with norovirus, encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Get your flu jab now If you are one of the thousands of people across Forth Valley who are in one of the “at risk” groups for flu, then contact your GP now for a free flu jab.

GPs are offering free flu vaccines to everyone currently aged 65 and over, and anyone who will reach 65 years of age on or before 31 March 2012.

Vaccines are also free for anyone under 65 who is considered at risk. This includes people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and asthma, chronic renal and liver disease, type 2 diabetes on medication, and those with

24

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neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. These individuals are more likely to develop serious complications if they get flu. Pregnant women and unpaid carers are also eligible for vaccination.

Dr Henry Prempeh, NHS Forth Valley consultant in public health medicine, explained that the single injection vaccine will provide protection against the three strains of flu which are expected to be predominant this winter.

“The vaccine does not contain a ‘live’ virus, so it is impossible for you to catch flu as a result of

getting the jab,” he said. “It must not be confused with the common cold. Flu is an extremely debilitating disease, with fever, significant aches and pains and lethargy, and can make people vulnerable to other conditions including pneumonia.

“I strongly urge anyone who is in one of the at-risk groups to make an appointment with their GP to get the free jab. It only

takes a few minutes, but will give you protection against flu for about a year. Don’t make the mistake that you think you’re immune – nobody is and the potential consequences mean it’s not worth the risk.”

It takes about 10 days to be protected after having the jab, so it’s best to get it as early as possible.

Winter is a busy time for the NHS, particularly during the festive period. To help you make the best use of the services available, we’ve produced this handy guide to ensure you get the right treatment, in the right place, in the shortest possible time. In many cases this will be your local pharmacy, GP practice or minor injuries unit.

Ask your pharmacist

For advice on common complaints including coughs and colds, high temperature/fever, sore throats and stomach upsets.

If you have a minor illness, a pharmacist can sell non-prescription medicines or provide them free of charge if you are eligible under the NHS minor ailment service – contact your pharmacist for further information.

Check www.nhsforthvalley.com for pharmacy opening times over the festive period.

Contact your local GP practice

When you have an illness or injury that just won’t go away or is getting worse, make an appointment to see your GP or a member of the practice team.

GP practices will be open from Monday 19-Friday 23 December 2011, as well as Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December 2011. They will also be open on Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January 2012 and from Monday 9 January 2012 as normal.

If you think you need to see a GP out of hours or on one of the four-day periods when practices are closed over the festive period (Saturday 24-Tuesday 27 Dec 2011 and Saturday 31 Dec 2011-Tuesday 3 January 2012), contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 and they will be able to direct you to a GP out-of-hours centre, if necessary.

Minor injuries

If you require urgent care for a minor injury, you can contact your GP, as many practices offer a minor injury service.

Your local optician can also provide treatment and advice for simple eye infections.

The minor injury unit at Stirling Community Hospital, which is open everyday from 9am to 9pm, provides treatment and advice for a wide range of minor injuries. These include suspected broken bones, sprains and strains, cuts and scratches, minor burns and scalds and infected wounds. Falkirk residents can also access minor injuries services at the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

Children under the age of one with a minor injury should be taken to the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

Dental emergencies

Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment and describe your symptoms so they can prioritise your care.

If you aren’t registered with a dentist, contact the Forth Valley Dental Helpline on 0844 800 6886 (Monday-Friday 8.30am to 6pm).

For emergency dental advice after 6pm or on weekends and public holidays, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

If you have severe pain, bleeding or swelling which is affecting your ability to breathe, seek help immediately by calling 999 or go to the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

Health info and advice

For further information on local health services in Forth Valley, visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/knowwhototurnto For healthcare information and advice, phone NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or visit www.nhsinform.co.uk

Emergency care

For serious illnesses and injuries which require urgent treatment, go to the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert or dial 999.

Please don’t attend the emergency department with minor or non-urgent health problems as this could divert staff time and resources from seriously ill patients who need them most. stirling.gov.uk For people with mental health or psychological problems, support is available by phoning NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24, Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 8587 (6pm to 2am).

Flu myths The flu jab hasn’t been tested – it’s not safe!

All vaccines have to be tested before they can be used in the UK. Also, remember that flu vaccines have been in use since the 1960s, and about one million doses are administered every year in Scotland alone.

I can’t have the jab because I’m pregnant All pregnant women should have the flu vaccination at any stage of their pregnancy. The jab is completely safe and will protect you and your unborn child from three strains of seasonal flu, including swine flu.

Antibiotics cure the flu Antibiotics kill bacteria. The flu is caused by viruses, which don’t respond to antibiotics.

Winter health

Stay well this winter

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Useful information

YourCouncillors Learn more about your councillors on our website www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors

Ward 1 Trossachs and Teith Bailie Tony Ffinch Conservative email: Tonyffincht@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Paul Owens Labour email: owensp@stirling.gov.uk

Bailie Graham Lambie Portfolio Holder for Education

Provost Fergus Wood SNP email: woodf@stirling.gov.uk

SNP email: lambieg@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 2 Forth and Endrick

Bailie Colin O’Brien Labour email: obrienc@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Alistair Berrill Conservative email: berrilla@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 3 Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Councillor Callum Campbell Conservative email: campbellc@stirling.gov.uk

1

Councillor Colin Finlay Labour email: finlayc@stirling.gov.uk Councillor David Goss Lib Dem email: gossd@stirling.gov.uk Council Leader Graham Houston Portfolio Holder for Policy, Strategy and Social Care SNP email: houstong@stirling.gov.uk

Ward map 3

4 6

7

5 2

For access to all Stirling Council services phone the contact centre on: 01786 443322 or 0845 277 7000 • text: 07717 990 001 Visit www.stirling.gov.uk or email info@stirling.gov.uk 26

stirling.gov.uk

Ward 4 Castle Councillor John Hendry Labour email: hendryj@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Graham Reed Lib Dem email: reedg@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Jim Thomson Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability SNP email: thomsonj03@stirling.gov.uk Ward 5 Stirling West Councillor Neil Benny Conservative email: bennyn@stirling.gov.uk Depute Leader Scott Farmer Portfolio Holder for Economy, Tourism and Finance SNP email: farmers@stirling. gov.uk

Learn more about the Scottish and UK Governments online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.direct.gov.uk Constituency MSPs

murdo fraser

Stirling

Conservative tel: 0131 348 5293 email: Murdo.Fraser.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

Bruce Crawford

Councillor Andrew Simpson Labour email: simpsona3@stirling.gov.uk Ward 6 Stirling East Bailie Ian Brown Lib Dem email: browni@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Corrie McChord Labour email: mcchordc@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Steven Paterson Portfolio Holder for Empowerment and Citizenship

SNP email: patersonst@stirling.gov.uk Ward 7 Bannockburn (Bannockburn, Cowie, Plean) Councillor Margaret Brisley Labour email: brisleym@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Portfolio Holder for Housing

SNP email:macphersona@ stirling.gov.uk Councillor Violet Weir Labour email: weirv@stirling.gov.uk

Dates of meetings are online at www. stirling.gov.uk/meetings or contact us by phone at 0845 277 7000

SNP tel: 01786 471899 email: Bruce.Crawford.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk web: www.brucecrawfordmsp.org Suite 3:3, Wallace House, Maxwell Place, Stirling FK7 7RP Clackmannanshire and Dunblane keith brown

SNP tel: 01259 219333 email: Keith.Brown.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk web: www.keithbrownmsp.com Constituency office: 80 Mill Street, Alloa FK10 1DY

john park

Labour tel: 0131 348 6753 email: John.Park.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

Claire Baker

Labour tel: 0131 348 6759 email: Claire.Baker.msp @scottish. parliament.uk Annabelle Ewing

SNP tel: 0131 348 5066 email: Annabelle.Ewing.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Service HQ Tel: 01324 716996 Central Scotland Police Tel: 01786 456000 Falkirk Community Hospital 01324 624 000 Floodline Tel: 0845 988188 Forth Valley College Tel: 0845 634 44 44

Lib Dem tel: 0131 348 5803 email: Willie.Rennie.msp@scottish. parliament.uk

Forth Valley Royal Hospital Tel: 01324 566 000

richard simpson

Labour tel: 0131 348 6756 email: Richard.Simpson.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk Conservative tel: 0131 348 6762 email: Elizabeth.Smith.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

Housing Repairs 0800 027 5888 Hydro Electric Tel: 0800 300000 MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 467155/466666 NHS 24 08454 24 24 24

member of parliament Stirling

NHS Forth Valley Tel: 01786 463031

anne mcguire

Quantum Meters Tel: 0845 6066766

Labour tel: 01786 446515 email: anne.mcguire.mp@ parliament.uk web: www.annemcguiremp.org.uk Constituency office: 22 Viewfield Street, Stirling FK8 1UA

Boundary Commission proposals The Boundary Commission for Scotland is holding a public consultation until 4 January 2012 on initial proposals for the redrawing of Westminster constituencies.

The total number of UK Parliament constituencies is being reduced from 650 to 600, with a reduction from 59 to 52 for Scottish seats. In the Stirling Council area, the Commission is proposing a new Stirling and Crieff constituency covering all the Council area and the south-west part of Perth and Kinross.

Active Stirling 0300 028 0101

Willie Rennie

elizabeth smith

List MSPs Mid Scotland and Fife

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

Maps showing these proposals are available in local libraries.

For more information and to comment: visit: www.bcomm-scotland.gov.uk email: comments@scottish boundaries.gov.uk write to: Boundary Commission for Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5HD or come along to a public hearing at 10am on Tuesday 29 November at City Chambers, 14 City Square, Dundee DD1 3BY.

Useful information

Representing you in Parliament

Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley Tel: 01786 451919 Scottish Power Tel: 0845 2727111 Scottish Water Tel: 0845 6008855 Stirling Community Hospital 01786 434 000 University of Stirling Tel: 01786 473171 TRANSCO (Gas Emergencies) Tel: 0800 111999 Traveline Tel: 0871 2002233

stirling.gov.uk

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Could you offer the love, commitment and understanding to turn a child’s life around?

Please think about fostering We are looking for all kinds of families who can offer fulltime temporary or full-time permanent foster care.

Our children will have had difficult experiences. Some of the time they may be troubled, sad or angry. They are not always the easiest children to care for. But the rewards of seeing a child begin to trust and enjoy life are great.

So whether you are a couple with or without children, single or a single parent, in your own home or renting, working or unemployed, young or simply young at heart – please think about fostering.

Preparation and support are provided to all carers. Generous allowances and fees are paid. To find out more, contact Stella Cloquet on 01786 443663