Benarty Community Council Report November 2021
A housing walkabout took place with myself Cllr McLelland and your Area Housing Officer Bruce Penman .
Traditionally these walkabouts have taken place across the award and Community Council members had in the past been invited to join in. An Action Plan from the Walkabout / Estates Visits…… 2021/22 has been put together with the following proposals . As you can see form the list a great many of these are only at the proposal stage.
WESTWOOD CRESCENT BALLINGRY Shortage of Parking Create Additional Parking on Grass Panel Area Site visit carried out- Await details and Quote
WESTWOOD CRESCENT BALLINGRY Parking in front of bungalows in poor condition. Re-surface and re-establish marked parking bays Site visit carried out HMO Transportation Quote Work Authorised
SEAMARK PLACE BALLINGRY Rear gardens boundary issue. No man’s land created due to gardens being shortened Create new boundary with 2m high fence for tenants. Grounds Maintenance to clear and tidy no-man’s land area.
Clearance of land scheduled during NOV 21 HMO Actioning
MARTIN CRESCENT FLATS (PARKING AREA OPPOSITE) Parking area road surface in poor condition Re-Surface and repair road surface Work Authorised
PAINT METAL BOUNDARY FENCING Metal boundary fencing needs re-painted—Various streets in area Martin Crescent. Repair and re-paint metal boundary fencing a waiting a quote
BALLINGRY ROAD LOCHORE
Blocks 12-24 & 27-57 Front Gardens areas need attention and create defined boundary with public footpath remove grass, remove debris from front gardens and lay red chips for low maintenance.
Erect wooden boundary fencing to define garden boundary with footpath .Works authorised
MALCOLM STREET BALLINGRY Front Garden Boundary Fencing Project. To create front garden boundary fencing to match and enhance look of FC properties in street.
McGINLAY TERRACE LOCHORE Back garden areas grass and are difficult to maintain due to size and steep slope Grounds Maintenance to undertake responsibility to cut these garden areas as part of contract with housing. Fife Council to get authorisation from tenants
MARMION ROAD LOCHORE Flatted block back gardens in poor condition very overgrown the hope is to make rear gardens low maintenance by removing grass and laying chips. Fife Council to get quote.
CASTLE AVENUE CROSSHILL Project to renew front boundary fencing/Drop Kerbs and Create front Garden Hardstanding Areas where possible
MELROSE GARDENS LOCHORE Shortage of Parking Potential creation of parking on grass panel area KIRKTOUN GARDENSBALLINGRY Shortage of Parking. Investigations to be carried out to see if additional parking can be created on grass verge. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have mentioned the work which takes place at the Wells throughout Fife. These are in our 7 localities and due to Covid did close down for face to face contact, However I’m glad to say the Kirkcaldy Well is now open.
Join us at Mercat Shopping Centre, every Thursday as of 4th November 10am to 12noon! near TKMaxx to speak to our friendly staff on the things that matter to you! The support that is offered cover a wide range of subjects
Loneliness, Financial support Food insecurity, bereavement, mental health, caring responsibilities, Community groups Social Care and other activities within you area .
Fife Migrants are also joining us at our first physical Well since the pandemic!
We are excited to see you and be able to provide a more face to face advice and information.
It is hoped that the other locations across Fife will open as we move toward a more open society.
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Scotland’s flu and covid-19 booster programmes are continuing with pace as people aged 60 to 69 and adults aged 16 and over with underlying health conditions in NHS Lanarkshire are starting to receive their invitations for their flu and covid-19 booster vaccinations through the post.
Appointments for this group are being issued in batches in descending age order (starting with 69 year-olds) and will take place at local community clinics.
Currently, as per JCVI advice, we are vaccinating people in the highest risk groups for both flu and covid-19 including those who are aged 70 years and over, people in older adult care homes, those who are on the highest risk list and frontline health and social care workers.
In addition, we are delivering flu vaccinations to children under 2 years-old who have underlying health conditions, preschool children aged 2-5, all school pupils, pregnant women and all NHS healthcare workers.
The winter flu and covid-19 vaccination programmes are working together to reduce the risks for both types of illness. Wherever possible, those eligible for the booster jab will receive both the flu vaccine and covid-19 boosters on the same day. This is safe and effective to do and will reduce the need to have two separate appointments.
For those in the underlying health conditions group – the type of health condition will guide whether they will be given a flu jab, the covid-19 booster, or both vaccines.
Details on who is eligible for these vaccinations and when they can expect an invitation are available on NHS inform.
We are currently working through priority lists for those who are eligible for the covid-19 vaccine booster and the flu vaccine and are making good headway. Appointments for both vaccines are being scheduled based on clinical need and age and it will take into the middle of January for everyone to be offered their vaccines. Boosters will be offered to many of the groups who routinely have the flu vaccine to protect people from both illnesses. To support this, we are ensuring those most vulnerable are vaccinated first.
Everyone who is eligible will be offered a vaccination. If you haven’t received your appointment letter yet, please be patient. You do not have to do anything now – you will be contacted, notifying you of your appointment.
When offered vaccinations we would encourage people to take these up. Flu can be extremely serious and is very infectious. With covid-19 still circulating in the community we can best protect those most at risk as well as ease pressure on our National Health Service and social care services by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated against flu and boost their immunity to coronavirus.”
We remain on track with Scotland’s booster programme prioritising those at the highest risk for both covid-19 and flu. We started this as soon as possible following the JCVI advice – that the booster dose should be offered no earlier than six months after completion of the primary vaccine course. It is important to note that many people in the original early priority cohorts of the initial vaccination programme had already had a 6-month gap prior to this JCVI advice.
In addition to delivering the covid-19 vaccine boosters, this year we are offering a record number of free flu vaccines to help protect the people of Scotland. It is the biggest ever flu vaccination programme in Scotland reaching over 4 million people.
The flu virus changes every year, so you need to get the vaccine every year to stay protected. The vaccine cannot give you flu, but it can help stop you catching it, or suffering severe symptoms. The covid-19 vaccine does not offer any protection from flu, you need to get the separate flu vaccine.
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Communities, hospitality outlets and shops around us will shortly see us become the first UK nation to pursue a complete ban on some of the most problematic single-use plastic products.
Legislation has been laid out that will see Scotland ban some of the most environmentally damaging single-use plastic items, with the ban coming into effect on 1 June 2022.
Scotland is turning promise into action and banning some of the most problematic single-use plastic items in use. Every year, hundreds of millions of pieces of single-use plastic are wasted in this country. They litter our coasts, pollute our oceans and contribute to the climate emergency. That has to end and this ban will be another step forward in the fight against plastic waste and throwaway culture. This is another example of the sort of bold action that is needed if we are to deliver on the commitments that are being made at COP26.
The ban will apply to the following single-use items: plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks), plates, straws, beverage stirrers and balloon sticks; food containers made of expanded polystyrene; and cups and other beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids.
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This is the December list from Fife Council, Voluntary Organisations/Charities and Social Enterprises
Keep up to date with monthly funding updates at https://fife.fundingscotland.com
This information can also be found on Facebook: Fife Funding Community
Application can be made from Community Council and other groups who have Community project in mind.
Animal Welfare – Petplan Charitable Trust’s Welfare Grants
Arts & Culture – Creative Lives – Together Again Micro Grants
Arts & Culture – The Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd Fund
Arts & Culture – The Culture & Business Fund
Arts & Culture – Museums Galleries Scotland – Small Grants Fund
Arts & Culture – The National Archives – Archives Revealed Cataloguing Grants Programme
Arts & Culture – National Heritage Memorial Fund (UK) – Covid-19 Response Fund
Arts & Culture – The William Grant Foundation’s Tailored Support Fund
Arts & Culture – Winter Festivals Small Grant Programme
Communities – Arnold Clark Community Fund
Communities – Coalfields Regeneration Trust – Coalfields Community Investment Programme
Communities – Corra Foundation – Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund
Communities – Foundation Scotland – Baillie Gifford Multi-Year Awards
Communities – Kingdom Housing Association – Community Initiatives Fund
Communities – Tesco Community Grants
Communities – The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Scottish Land Fund
Communities – The National Lottery Community Fund – Platinum Jubilee Fund
Digital Communities – The Fat Beehive Foundation
Digital Communities – Vodaphone – Charities.Connected
Employability – Chance to Succeed
Employability – SCVO – Community Jobs Scotland
Environmental – Action Earth
Environmental – The Cruach Trust
Environmental – Greenshoots Fund
Environmental – The Naturesave Trust
Environmental – Sustrans’ Love Your Network Grants
Environmental – The Woodland Trust – Free Tree Packs
Health & Wellbeing – AB Charitable Trust
Health & Wellbeing – Bank of Scotland Foundation – Reach
Health & Wellbeing – Barchester’s Charitable Foundation
Health & Wellbeing – Chance to Flourish
Health & Wellbeing – Community Capacity & Resilience Fund
Health & Wellbeing – Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund
Health & Wellbeing – Clothworkers’ Foundation – Open Grants Programme
Health & Wellbeing – Corra Foundation – Local Support Fund Micro Grants
Health & Wellbeing – The Hedley Foundation
Health & Wellbeing – TNL – Improving Lives
Health & Wellbeing – The Pixel Fund
Health & Wellbeing – The True Colour Trust
Health & Wellbeing – Victim Centred Approach Fund
Health & Wellbeing – Wooden Spoon
Schools & Education – Chance to Study
Social Enterprise – Firstport – Launch Me
Social Enterprise – Firstport – Social Entrepreneurs – Build It
Social Enterprise – UnLtd Awards
Sports & Physical Activities – The Clubs in Crisis Grant
Sports & Physical Activities – ‘Game On Gear’ grant
Veterans Groups – Armed Forces Day – Event Funding
Women’s Groups – The Women’s Fund for Scotland
Youth Work / Young People – CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund
Youth Work / Young People – Chance to Connect
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Fife Health and Social Care Partnership have launched the Christmas Community Keeping Connected Fife. It provides info to help people access emotional & practical support & signposts to local/national services to help keep you connected within your community.
The link to the leaflet below contains a vast amount of useful information which can be downloaded or requested and shared within local premises
https://www.hpac.nhs.uk/HPAC///ClickCounter?action=d&resourceId=2578&url=%27uploads/hpfife/pdf/L001733234.pdf%27
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NHS Fife have scheduled a series of drop-in clinics across Fife to enable those requiring COVID-19 boosters and flu jabs to get vaccinated without the need for an appointment.
Those aged 40+ are now eligible for their free booster and whilst you can book an appointment using the online portal or via the national helpline, you can also drop-in to any of the below clinics.
Former DW Sports, Kingsgate, Dunfermline 30th Nov – 3rd Dec 5PM-8PM
Lochgelly Centre 1st – 3rd Dec 5PM-8PM
Former M&S, Kirkcaldy High Street 2nd – 3rd Dec 5PM-8PM
Former Argos, Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes 2nd – 3rd Dec 5PM-8PM
The Studio, Methil 1st – 3rd Dec 5PM-8PM
St Andrews Community Hospital 30th Nov & 2nd Dec 8AM-8PM on 30th/8AM-7PM on 2nd
If you would prefer to book an appointment:
nhsinform.scot/vaccine booking 0800 030 8013
For more info visit: https://www.nhsfife.org/…/covid-booster-drop-in…/
The number of Recorded Covid cases in the local area today are Ballingry 14 cases and Lochore /Crosshill 9 cases .
Theses numbers are low in comparison to other areas in Fife which are still running with numbers in the 20s The roll out of the vaccine are again on the above average for Scotland with Fife Number at 1st Dose 91% Second does 82% and booster 42% which for the booster is one of the highest percentage for Scotland .
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Traffic restriction are currently on Lochore Lochleven Road these began on the 19/11/2021 and they will run until 20/12/2021.These are Portable Traffic Lights and they are in situ as (TTLS) Lay Duct and Install Fibre Optic Network Cable 3027409 is being laid in position by the Virgin Media Group Virgin Media .
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Exon Mobil have Community funding money which they would like to dispose of before the end of the year. I was contacted by Louise Russell who is the new Community Affairs Co-Ordinator for Public & Government Affairs at Exon and I have managed to contact Maggie Bell at The Benarty Angels and I’m hopeful that a donation will be made there.
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SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT TO BE DOUBLED
We welcome the announcement made by the First Minister that the Scottish Child Payment will be doubled to £20 per week per child from April 2022.
The First Minister confirmed that, from the start of the new financial year, more than 105,000 low income families with children aged under 6 will see their payments doubled immediately from £10 per week to £20 per week. On top of that, by the end of 2022 the payment will be extended to children under 16, by which time it is anticipated that over 400,000 children will be eligible for the doubled payment. Little wonder that this move has been so warmly welcomed by children’s charities and anti-poverty campaigners, who know how important a step this is in tackling poverty.
The Westminster Gov in the UK Government has cut Universal Credit by £20 a week. Where the Scottish Government has the power to do so, it is using those powers to make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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We are all delighted to learn of Joe Paterson being named the Honorary President at BRAG Enterprises in Benarty.
Joe has been with the organisation since it was established well over four decades ago and has worked hard to improve the local area and foster the community spirit.
I wish Joe all the best in his new role and look forward to seeing the work of BRAG going forward
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ALL UNDER 22s IN COWDENBEATH SET TO BENEFIT FROM FREE BUS TRAVEL FROM JANUARY
Every young person under the age of 22 in Cowdenbeath will benefit from free bus travel from 31st January 2022 after an announcement by the SNP Scottish Government.
The announcement was made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. This will mean that young people in Cowdenbeath will have their opportunities to learn, work and travel opened up by the scheme.
Research from Transport Scotland has revealed that 70% of young people would use the bus more often if it was free.The SNP Scottish Government is once again making an investment in our young people’s future. By making bus travel free for U22s in Cowdenbeath and across Scotland, opportunities for young people to work, travel and study are being opened up for them.
Travelling by bus is one of the most environmentally friendly way to get across the country and research shows that young people recognise the vital role public transport will play in hitting our climate change targets.
This move will not only be vital in our journey to net zero, but will also take pressure off young people and their families’ finances.Once again this is a demonstration of how the SNP Scottish Government continues to support young people in Cowdenbeath and across Scotland have the best possible start in life.
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Round 2 of the Fife Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is now open for applications. Community groups and organisations can apply to access funding to reconnect communities and support adults’ (16+) mental health and wellbeing.
Grants of £1,000 – max £50,000 are available. Visit www.fva.org/mhgrant to apply and for full funding guidance. Round 2 will close on 19 January 2022. E-mail grants@fva.org or call 0800 389 6046 for application support.
This is the first year of a two-year Fund to support mental health and wellbeing in communities across Scotland. The monies are part of the Scottish Government’s new Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
Fife Voluntary Action (FVA) is managing this Fund in partnership with Fife Council and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and is responsible for distributing just over £1m across Fife in year one.
Visit www.fva.org/mhgrant to apply and for more information.
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We were delighted to see the historic Miners’ Pardon Bill published last week by the Scottish Government, seeking to pardon former miners of certain offences which occurred during the 1984/85 strike.
I have spoken about this both before and during the campaign, as it was a key promise of the Scottish Government, and a focus within this years Programme for Government, to bring forward legislation on an accelerated basis.
Going forward, I will be taking a very close interest in how this bill proceeds through the normal legislative channels of the Scottish Parliament, and I will ensure that this Bill receives approval from Parliament before too much time has passed.
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In addition to the matters raised in this report I have dealt with a wide range of matters for local constituents including Housing, Health and Social Care, Roads, Transport , Social Work, Safer Communities Police , which for privacy issues do not need to be reported here .
Councillor Rosemary Liewald
