Housing Office Closed

The Accommodation Resource Centre will be closed from Monday 6th February due to flood damage.

Anyone who needs housing assistance should phone 01324 503600 for an appointment.

If you require emergency housing assistance please contact Camelon Neighbourhood Office, 308 Main Street, Camelon FK1 4EQ. 01324 503640.

If you require emergency housing assistance outside normal office hours please contact Homeless Standby on 01324 503050. 0800 5874440.

For any other housing advice please contact your local Neighbourhood Office.

Gritting information

Help and advice about gritting and snow clearing can be found in the Winter Gritting and Snow Clearing leaflet (PDF, 67KB):

• Footway gritting priorities
• Road gritting priorities
• Map Showing Gritting Priority Routes

Schools

If status is “affected” please click on the individual school for further information/details.

Advice on snow clearance

The Government wants to encourage a society where individuals can help themselves and others in their community. There is no law preventing members of the public from clearing the snow and ice on the pavement outside their properties. If members of the public decide to clear snow or ice on public footways in front of their property, our advice is: 

• Do not use hot water. This will melt the snow but may well replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury. 
• When clearing snow and ice wear visible clothing and sturdy footwear to provide a good grip. 
• If shovelling snow, take care not to block other footways or road drainage gullies. 
• Spread some salt on the area you have cleared to prevent any ice forming. 
• Don't use too much salt. A little goes a long way. 
• If rain washes the salt away, consider spreading some more before re-freezing takes place. 
• Salt can be purchased from local builders merchants and DIY stores in addition to that provided in Grit Bins, however table salt works just as well. 
• Slippery floors – as people enter houses/buildings with snow on their boots which subsequently melts on the floor it may lead to slippery floor surfaces. Where possible you should put down additional matting/carpeting or, in the absence of that, some cardboard may suffice. Please ensure that whatever you do put down does not present a tripping hazard; 
• Overhanging snow/icicles - please ensure that you do not have any dangerous overhanging snow or icicles above entrances/exits. Where possible, it may be appropriate to temporarily use alternative means of access/egress.

• Roads maintenance - Winter Service
• Grit bins

Anyone who needs housing assistance should phone 01324 503600 for an appointment.

If you require emergency housing assistance please contact Camelon Neighbourhood Office, 308 Main Street, Camelon FK1 4EQ. 01324 503640.

If you require emergency housing assistance outside normal office hours please contact Homeless Standby on 01324 503050. 0800 5874440.

For any other housing advice please contact your local Neighbourhood Office.

Yesterday elected members agreed to the phased introduction of an ‘opt out’ food waste collection set to get underway in April this year to comply with national regulations set by Zero Waste Scotland.

Initially 30,000 households will be offered the new recycling service which could see as much as 5,000 tonnes of food waste diverted from landfill. The scraps of cooked or raw food will be commercially treated and used as compost.

The new collection will be voluntary with householders being offered to ‘opt out’ if they do not wish to take part in the separate food waste collection.

Council Leader Craig Martin said: “Falkirk Council is leading the way in terms of recycling and already has a robust kerbside collection scheme in place and we are consistently amongst the highest performing councils in Scotland.

“Of course none of this would be possible without the continued enthusiasm and commitment from local residents who have helped us meet ambitious targets set nationally by the Scottish Government.

“We secured agreement from ZWS to roll out the new food waste scheme on an ‘opt out’ basis. This gives householders a choice on whether they want to take part in a further household recycling collection scheme.
“It is clear that we can no longer sustain a throw away culture and must continue with our efforts to reduce waste and recycle more or face massive financial penalties in the form of landfill tax which is due to increase to £64 per tonne later this year.”

All householders taking part will receive a small 5litre kitchen caddie and an external 25 litre container.

Falkirk Council has one of the highest recycling rates in Scotland of 49.25% an improvement of 7% from 2009/10. And it’s hoped that this year 52% of household waste will be recycled which will see the Council achieve the 2013 target of 50% ahead of schedule.

The Kerbside Collection Box service is performing well with almost 65,000 households recycling glass, textiles small electrical items and batteries. This year a recycling led commercial waste collection will be in place to increase the amount of recycling from the trade waste collection.

The latest waste analysis highlighted that c9000 tonnes of material which can be recycled is still finding its way into the green bins which costs £636k to landfill. The Council hopes to address these statistics through the Waste Watchers campaign which encourages householders to reduce their waste and recycle more.
 

Recent analysis showed 14% of the waste in the green bin could be recycled using the existing blue bin and is equivalent to 4,945 tonnes of paper and card unnecessarily landfilled each year.

Members at today’s Environment and Heritage Committee agreed to consult on a new plan which would set out to increase levels of recycling and divert more waste from landfill over the next ten years.

Councillor Charles MacDonald, Convener of the Environment and Heritage Committee said: “Working with colleagues in Clackmannanshire we have prepared a joint main issues paper which sets out the challenges we face in terms of waste minimisation and diversion over the next ten years.

“The Zero Waste Strategy 2012-2022 will be finalised following consultation and will provide us with a clear direction for waste issues which reflects the national policy of moving towards a zero waste society.”

Falkirk Council is already leading the way in terms of recycling and has reached and exceeded the 2013 target of 50% already with the Council predicting a 52% figure for this year

The new ten year plan will set out how the Council will meet future challenges and includes:
• Recycling and waste minimisation
• Introduction of food waste collections
• High quality recycling facilities and improved infrastructure
• Grants to support waste minimisations schemes
• Helping local business reduce their waste
• A zero waste policy for its own activities
• More efficient vehicles

Falkirk is one of the top two performers for recycling and composting within Scotland’s 32 local authorities and is on course to exceed 50% this year

Safer Internet Day will be taken place on Tuesday 7^th February.  Falkirk Council will be hosting two events for parents on the 7^th February in Camelon Education Centre at 9.30-11.30 am and 7.00-9.00 pm.  Parents are able to attend whichever session is most convenient to them.  The sessions will consist of an input from children and young people, a short TV style show entitled ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’ and information will be available on the latest technology available on smartphones and laptops.  Technology gurus will also be available to answer any questions that parents might have. 

To register, please contact Ann Peoples on 01324 501965 or e-mail ann.peoples@falkirk.gov.uk. Please let her know if you have any access or communication needs.

The Council embarked on a programme of upgraded insulation last year targeting the areas in highest fuel poverty/carbon emissions (Rural North, Stenhousemuir and Larbert) and it is expected that other areas will be rolled out next year subject to Scottish Government Funding.

‘We already have our own ongoing scheme with council tenants but this offer allows private householders to benefit as well.’

For more information on how you can sign up for the scheme contact the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

You can also visit here for more information.

Mr Brown said: “I’m delighted to announce another significant sum invested which will help support local jobs and deliver a major road improvement for users in Central Scotland.  

“We expect this scheme, which will see the upgrading of the junction between the A9 and the M876 to a four-way interchange to improve accessibility to the M80 and M9 motorways, the Clackmannanshire Bridge, and the Larbert area, whilst easing congestion for drivers.

“As a government we are absolutely committed to developing our road infrastructure to help support economic growth and this contract builds on a portfolio of investment on our transport infrastructure to ensure it is fit for purpose.”

Cllr Craig Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “This project will improve our transport infrastructure and increase economic development opportunities across the area.

“It will also bring associated environmental and road safety improvements an improve access to the local towns such as Stenhousemuir and Larbert and the adjacent development site at Glenbervie.”

Falkirk Council approved the tender for the work today at a meeting of their Policy and Resources Committee.
 
Scottish Enterprise Director of Infrastructure, Allan McQuade, added: "An efficient transport network is valuable to boosting Scotland's economy and this improved transport infrastructure will help enhance central Scotland as a globally competitive business environment and allow key sectors operating in the area to flourish."

The scheme is expected to begin construction on 5th March 2012, with completion by the end of August 2012.

The number of voters registered in the Falkirk Council area has dropped to 113, 936 from 118,350,  a reduction of 4, 414. And if you’re not registered you won’t be able to vote in next year’s Council elections.

Brian Byrne, the Electoral Registration Officer, said that the main reason for the reduction was down to voters who had not completed the annual registration forms for over 24 months being removed from the register.

 Anyone who is not registered can apply to register now. If anyone is unsure if they are registered they can check the copy of the local register in their library or telephone 01786-892289.

 With the local council elections taking place on 3^rd May 2012 it is important that anyone eligible to vote makes sure they are registered as soon as possible.

Postal voting is available to all electors and is becoming more popular each year. Currently 23, 697 electors in the Forth Valley Area vote by post in all elections (up by almost 3000 since 1^st December 2010). Anyone who wants to apply is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Forms to register or to vote by post are available from www.aboutmyvote.co.ukor can be requested by emailing ero@centralscotland-vjb.gov.uk. Forms are also available in local libraries.

Earlier this year the Council and Carron Phoenix arranged a reception to celebrate 250 years of manufacturing of the Carron Company in Falkirk.  A large number of ex employees were invited to the reception but regrettably due to the extreme weather at the time the reception was cancelled.

Commemorative lapel badges were produced for the occasion and issued to some ex employees.  However, the Council and Carron Phoenix would like to offer the remaining badges to any other ex employees on a first come, first served basis.

Provost Pat Reid said; ‘We were very disappointed that the event required to be cancelled and hope that the badge will serve as a small souvenir of the anniversary.’

Please contact Harry Forster on 01324 506152 or Lee Williamson 01324 506153 if you wish to obtain a commemorative lapel badge.

 Charmaine Hogg, from Grangemouth, was named “Service Apprentice of the Year” at Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards held in Glasgow’s Science Centre.

Charmaine (22) started her training through Falkirk Council’s employment and training unit in 2007. She completed her modern apprenticeship this year. Locally she’s won an “outstanding achievement” award from Falkirk Provost Pat Reid - and another council award for completing her level three qualification in Early Years Care and Education.

Council chiefs say Charmaine’s award is a great recognition for her hard work and for the quality support and training it offers local young people.

The Council’s economic strategy and development convener, Councillor Adrian Mahoney, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Charmaine. She’s demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to learning and has made an excellent contribution at work. She’s a real inspiration.

 “This award comes at a time when Falkirk Council has increased its commitment to delivering Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in response to the current youth unemployment crisis. There are lots of success stories like Charmaine – but lots of other young people we need to help and support.”

Modern Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity for young people to gain invaluable work based skills, qualifications and earn while they learn in these current challenging financial times. Young people can find out about Modern Apprenticeships through their school – or by contacting the Council’s employment and training unit directly on 01324 504400. You can also email: etu@falkirk.gov.uk

Councillor Mahoney added: “Falkirk Council is currently delivering a range of local training. As well as supporting 330 Modern Apprentices this year, the Council has funded a range of pre-apprenticeship programmes directly contributing to a four per cent improvement in the ‘positive destinations’ for school leavers in our area.

“We’re currently delivering the highest level of engagement in training for school leavers in Scotland – and that’s impressive. But we know, with the crisis we’re facing in youth employment just now, that we have to do all we can to help. 

The local authority offers a wide range of training and employment opportunities for young people – either in-house or with local companies and organisations.

Trainee opportunities currently include places in: construction trades, IT, green-keeping, civil engineering, horticulture, lab technicians, childcare, social care, finance and business administration.

More than 95 per cent of all apprentices who complete their training gain full-time permanent positions.

 The Council’s employment and training manager, Pamela Smith, said she was thrilled to hear of Charmaine’s success in the MA Awards. She said: “We see many young people blossom when they’re given good opportunities and training. Charmaine has been an excellent trainee and her natural ability has shone through.

“She’s become a valuable member of the team at the nursery and showed great initiative. I know her input is really valued by colleagues and I’m delighted that all her hard work has been recognised both locally and nationally.”

The 10th annual Modern Apprenticeship Awards, sponsored by HP, showcased the achievements of employers, apprentices and organisations who have demonstrated initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to developing Scotland's skills and economy.

 Charmaine said: “I'm one of eight children, so have always had a caring role. Working with the children at the nursery, in particular those with additional needs, is very rewarding. I hope to carry on working at the nursery now that I have finished my apprenticeship and am fully qualified.”

 If you’re a local employer and would like to work with the Council to offer training places for young people, contact the Council on 01324 504400 or log onto www.falkirk.gov.uk/backingfalkirksfuture

More information can be found here