Shoppers in Asda, Bearsden got more than they bargained for in-store last week as they were given the chance to chat to Officers from the Council and Police Scotland about local community protection issues.
The Officers were in Asda as part of their campaign to tour the area raising awareness of the two organisations’ new co-production working arrangements.
More than 200 local people took time to stop and discuss the things that matter to them, with many discussing trading standards issues ranging from the dangers of bogus callers to civil consumer rights.
Information roadshows like this one have been running since August and there are now only three more left to go. The roadshow will visit all eight East Dunbartonshire wards and comments and feedback are being collated along the way to be used to help shape the future plans of the Police and Council as they work closer together within our communities.
The focus for the Bearsden South day of action was food safety and officers spoke to local residents about the Council’s commitment to the national Food Hygiene Information Scheme which allows consumers to see the compliance level of food business with food safety legislation throughout the East Dunbartonshire area.
Food officers also targeted inspections of food businesses in the area and all businesses were found to have reached a ‘PASS’ standard. During the visits, Officers provided guidance on the new rules about allergens in food and how to give information to customers.
Food inspectors also visited take away food operators near Boclair High School and obtained samples to submit for analysis. These visits are part of a bigger investigation being conducted by all Councils in the West of Scotland, looking into alternative school meals and gauging the nutritional standards of food stuffs purchased out with the school gates. The foods will be analysed for levels of fat, salt and sugars compared against nutritional standards.
Council Leader Rhondda Geekie, said, “Asda was a great venue for our roadshow and Officers were kept very busy speaking to local people. It is important that we are able to meet residents and listen to what they are telling us. We will include all views in what we are doing.
“It was also a good opportunity for Environmental Health Officers to speak to people in the community about the Food Hygiene Information Scheme and how it can benefit them. Customers can be confident that retailers and restaurants displaying the ‘PASS’ certificate have been inspected and comply with the recommended food hygiene standards.”
Chief Inspector Craig Smith, Local Area Commander added, “Yet again the roadshow provided a valuable opportunity for local residents to speak to us face to face so we could listen and understand their concerns. I’m delighted we are able to reach out to the communities of East Dunbartonshire along with East Dunbartonshire Community Protection Services and act upon their concerns.
“This really helps us to keep people safe across the wide range of communities we have here in East Dunbartonshire. I look forward to the forthcoming days of action and the benefits they bring to the communities.”
Highlights of the day of action included:
- Police Scotland – joint initiatives were carried out throughout the day with Council Officers. Complaints from the public were reported on matters of speeding, parking and youth disorder that will be followed up.
- Environmental Health – Officers carried out two local food hygiene inspections. Officers visited Primary Schools in the area for engine idling, spoke to parents regarding this issue and distributed guidance leaflets. Eleven premises were visited regarding health and safety issues and information was given to employers to help them comply with relevant legislation.
- Trading Standards and Licensing – at the stall in Asda, Officers were very busy with trading standards issues (four of which are now being investigated). Joint mobile bogus caller patrols in the area resulted in two trader stops for poor compliance levels in respect of legal requirements relating to cancellation rights and three underage sales and illicit /counterfeit goods. Visits were also carried out at tobacco premises - one possible compliance issue in relation to illicit tobacco.
- Community Safety - the team attended a local Primary School to target parking and discussed issues with parents. Visits were also made to various public parks to target dog fouling. Advice was given to owners and dog walkers and free poop scoop bags were handed out.
Next week’s co-production roadshow will make two stops in the Campsie & Kirkintilloch North ward. It will be in the St. Machan’s chapel car park from 8.30-11am then arrive outside the Regent Centre in Kirkintilloch at 11.15am until 2pm.
The full calendar of events is as follows:
|
Date & Time |
Ward Area |
Venue
|
|
Thur 24 Sept
|
Campsie and Kirkintilloch North |
St Machan's Chapel car park, Main Street, Lennoxtown (am) Cowgate, Kirkintilloch (pm) |
|
Thur 1 Oct 9am-2pm |
Kirkintilloch South/ Lenzie |
Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre |
|
Thur 8 Oct
|
Kirkintilloch East/ Twechar |
Hillhead Community Centre (am) Twechar Healthy Living Centre (pm) |
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Date: Tuesday 22 September 2015