Welcome to this edition of the Depute Chief Executive Update – this is my final DCE update with new communication arrangements being planned for 2024.
The festive season is truly upon us now with just over a week to go until the big day!
I’d like to say a huge thank you for all your efforts over the past year in delivering our invaluable services to the communities of East Dunbartonshire. I hope that those of you taking time off enjoy your break, and particular thanks go out to everyone who will be continuing to deliver our vital frontline services throughout the festive period.
Our final Council meeting of the year is taking place tonight (Thursday 14 December) There are some crucial reports that will be heard so remember you can watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel [opens in a new window] or read the reports in advance on our Modern.Gov portal [opens in a new window].
I would also like to take this opportunity to say I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Executive on Monday 18 December and to build on the achievements of our current Chief Executive Gerry Cornes, who as you know will be retiring in January. It is a great privilege for me to continue to work with you all and to continue to develop and improve our services for the people of East Dunbartonshire. I wish Gerry the very best in his retirement.
Now, on with our regular roundup of news.
Festive News….
Provost’s Christmas Appeal
A huge thank you to everyone who donated essential items for the local foodbank as part of the Provost’s annual Christmas appeal. The bags are being collected today and will be delivered to the foodbank. Your donations will ensure people in our area will be able to enjoy a hot meal over the festive season.
Provost's Christmas Card revealed
What says Christmas more than a snowy, moonlit Christmas Eve with Santa's sleigh and reindeer silhouetted against a full moon, delivering gifts to sleeping children? Well, that's the magical scene that will feature on Provost Renwick's Christmas card this year, thanks to winning artist Anthony from St. Matthew's Primary in Bishopbriggs. Get a look at Anthony's handiwork and those of the runners-up, brought to life in an animated e-card via our website.
Changes to Council services during festive period
As the countdown to Christmas begins, residents are being urged to check out the changes to essential Council services over the holiday season. Bins, customer services, libraries, leisure centres and arts venues will all have revised opening and operating hours. All the changes are now published on our website.
Saturday parking charges suspended for the countdown to Christmas
Parking will be free in East Dunbartonshire town centres on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas, with charges suspended in the Council's fee-levying car parks. If you're driving to Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch or Milngavie for festive shopping or to enjoy a bite to eat on Saturdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 December then the good news is you won't need to pay to park your sleigh. Read more on our website.
News from the Council….
Support available for the creation of Local Place Plans
Community organisations are being encouraged by East Dunbartonshire Council to highlight issues, ideas and aspirations by creating Local Place Plans. Changes have been made in Scotland to strengthen links between citizens and the planning system. Local Place Plans (LPPs) can; identify local land use issues and priorities for change, influence the Local Development Plan, take forward community projects and bring together community groups to deliver a shared vision. Registered LPPs will inform the Local Development Plan – which sets out a long-term vision for where development should and should not happen. Check out the news story for more.
Community Grants
Groups carrying out vital work at the heart of local towns and villages are being urged to apply for the latest round of East Dunbartonshire Council's Community Grants Scheme before 22 December 2023. The Way Ahead Group, based in Killermont Parish Church, Bearsden, is a lifeline for people who have suffered strokes – providing physiotherapy, friendship, activities and more. The organisation, which regularly helps 24 people with the support of its volunteers, recently secured a Community Grant and has encouraged others to apply. You can read more on our website.
News from the Trust….
Success at swimming time trials
Congratulations to 22 swimmers from schools across the area who have made the cut to go through to the next round of the Scottish Schools’ Swimming Championships. They were part of a group of 100 young people who took part in time trials at The Leisuredrome earlier this month. Find out more on our news page.
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 [opens in a new window]
- 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.
Dates for your Diary…
22 December - East Dunbartonshire Schools close for holidays
3 January - Return to work following Christmas and New Year shut-down
8 January - East Dunbartonshire schools return for new term
And Finally….
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your families and loved ones.
Thanks
Ann