Welcome to this latest edition of our Depute Chief Executive Update.
The weather since my last update took a horrendous turn for the worse, with an Amber then a Yellow Weather Warning in place at the start of the month. Like many parts of Scotland, we had flooding incidents and I'd like to thank the various teams who worked around the clock to keep residents as safe as possible.
This weather event was a timely reminder of what winter could have in store and coincided with the launch of this year's Winter Service Policy. Crews are now on call 24/7 to manage and deal with the weather conditions and are prepared for any challenges that may occur. Road and pavements gritters are ready for action and you can read our news story for more about the policy and our winter plans. From this week you can also read our daily weather reports and gritting plans.
You will have seen that we have closed Bearsden Hub after investigations found RAAC in the various roofs of the buildings at the rear of the facility. The advice from our structural engineering consultants is that this will need to be removed in full and unfortunately this means that the Hub and Halls, including the carpark, cannot open until remedial works are completed. Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available.
Finally, I would like to say thank you and good luck to those colleagues who are taking early retirement at the end of this month. Grant Mackintosh and Paul Curran, members of our former senior management team, will also be finishing up in the next couple of weeks and I would also like to take this opportunity to wish them well for the future.
Now to our regular news round-up….
News from the Council….
Tell us YOUR priorities in Budget Consultation
The Council has launched its ‘YOUR Budget Priorities’ consultation ahead of its meeting early next year to agree the 2024/2025 budget. The consultation ‘YOUR Budget Priorities’ is now live and will run until Friday 3 November. The findings will inform the Council’s budget decisions in February. You can read more, and fill out the survey by visiting the news section of the website.
Funding available to help keep communities connected this winter
It's hoped there'll be a warm welcome for our new campaign to help keep people connected and cosy this winter. The Council has launched Winter Connections – a programme offering funding, support and information which is co-ordinating and supporting a network of local places and spaces where people can attend events, try activities, and meet up with others. Funding applications are invited from not-for-profit, voluntary and community organisations – and venues – with grants of up to £1,500 available. You can read more, find guidance notes and the application form linked from our news story.
Cairnhill Woods shortlisted for prestigious award
Fantastic work which has transformed Cairnhill Woods in Westerton has now been shortlisted for an award at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards. Cairnhill Woods project was announced as a finalist in the Community Initiative Award at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception at the Scottish Parliament, hosted recently by Colin Smyth MSP and sponsored by Beam Suntory. View the full story on our website.
Provost declares Woodland View School Officially Open
Pupils, teachers, parents, Councillors and invited guests joined Provost Gillian Renwick to celebrate the official opening of the new Woodland View School in Kirkintilloch. The £34.9m building, delivered by contractors McLaughlin & Harvey, is situated in Waterside and replaces Campsie View and Merkland Schools. The children and young people, aged 2 to 18 years, are now being taught together in the state-of-the-art facility. Provost Renwick, with the help of pupils Barzy and Lisa, unveiled the plaque to officially open the fabulous building, during a ceremony filled with music and celebration. You can read more on our website.
News from the Trust….
Remembering Together Covid Memorial Project Progress
Phase 1 of the project in East Dunbartonshire is now complete and after robust community engagement with individuals, groups, and organisations to discover what residents would like the memorial to look like, the lead artist is now undertaking Phase 2. This Phase will see the creation of 12 individual memorials across different locations throughout East Dunbartonshire. Each location will have three elements: a covered seated area, a guided walk, and a soundscape. There will be three different designs for the seating, and each local community will be able to vote on which one they would like for their area. The soundscapes will include music and stories of local people’s lockdown experiences. You can find out more by watching this video from Elena.
News on Health & Wellbeing….
Employee Assistance Programme
Please remember that if you need it, our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 confidential helpline and support service ‘Time for Talking’ which is available to all our employees.
The contact details for employees looking for immediate support are as follows:
- Telephone: 0800 9703980
- Email: admin@timefortalking.co.uk
- Time for Talking website
- Live Web Chat: Accessed via website. Password: TfTnow (case sensitive)
Employee Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing page of the Employee Zone also has a host of information and signposting to support across a range of wellbeing matters, including financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and bereavement support. Do visit the page if it may be of assistance to you – and share the link with colleagues if you think they might benefit.
And Finally….
Kirky Picture Palace returns to the town hall with more movie magic
It's the cinematic return everyone is talking about – the Kirky Picture Palace is on its way back to its original home, offering movie magic at the heart of the community. Barbie, a live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid, Grease and Hotel Transylvania will all be shown at Kirkintilloch Town Hall this month, thanks to the blockbuster initiative from Your Kirky (aka Kirkintilloch Community Council). As well as screenings suitable for all, there will be special dementia-friendly and baby-friendly events too. You can read more on our website.
Dates for your diary….
1 – 28 October Stoptober – the 28 days stop smoking challenge
1 - 31 October Black History Month
1 – 31 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
16-20 October School October Week Holiday
18 October World Menopause Day
24 October World Polio Day
Many of you will be off this week for the October school holidays so if you’re reading this once you’re back, I hope you all had a lovely time off with your families!
I’ll be back with my next update in a fortnight’s time on Tuesday 31 October.
Thanks
Ann