Angus Life Spring 2011

Angus

Enjoy a fantastic summer in the countryside around Angus

www.angus.gov.uk Thecouncil’smagazineforthepeopleofAngus

Issue10 Spring2011

Also in this issue:• Kinloch development • Dealing with an emergency • Carers efforts recognised • Support for your business

The great outdoors

AngusLifeispublishedbyAngusCounciltoprovideinformationoncouncilplans,policiesandservicesanditsworkwithcommunityplanningpartners.Thecontentofthepublicationcanbemadeavailableonalternativeformatsortranslatedintoothercommunitylanguages.Pleasecontactthecouncil’sACCESSLineon08452777778forfurtherinformation.©AngusCouncil2011.IfyouhaveanycommentsaboutAngusLife

pleasecontactthecouncil’spublicrelationsunit,AngusHouse,OrchardbankBusinessPark,ForfarDD81AX.Tel:01307461460oremail:anguslife@angus.gov.ukAngusLifeisdesignedandproducedbyConnectCommunicationsLtd.www.connectcommunications.co.ukAngusLifeisissuedtwiceyearlyinspringandautumn.Ifyoudonotregularlyreceiveacopy,[email protected].

AsAngusCouncilboundariescutacrossRoyalMailpostalareas,youmayreceiveacopyofAngusLifeifyouliveoutwithourboundary.Unfortunatelythisisbeyondourcontrol,butwehopeyoufindthepublicationofinterestandthatitprovidesusefulinformationwhenvisitingAngus.AngusLifeisproducedusingpaperfromsustainablesources.Whenyouhavefinishedwiththismagazine,pleaserecycleit.

4 Planning for the future NewdevelopmentsatKinlochwillservecommunity6 The great outdoors HowandwheretoenjoythelovelycountrysideofAngus7 Road to recovery Anupdateontheprogressbeingmadefillingpotholes8 Summer in Angus Around-upofwhat’sonaroundtheareathisseason10 Prepare for success Partnershipplanningensureswe’rereadyforanything12 Caring for the carers Thestoryofacarerandhowthecouncilprovidessupport14 Business Gateway Helpisathandforentrepreneursinthecounty15 Trading standards Valuableadviceonhowtopreventunwantedsalescalls16 Get in touch Howtocontactyourlocalcouncillor

Contents

News round-up www.angus.gov.uk

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Hopefully we’re in for a great summer – it’s the least we expect after being hit with one of the worst winters in recent times!

If you’re planning to make the most of the long summer days, our feature on how the council has worked to ensure that local people and visitors can get the best out of the wonderful Angus countryside, will provide inspiration.

Our cover image is of beautiful Glen Clova, one of the many areas in the county which is being made more accessible for visitors as the council invests in the creation of new paths and cycleways and improved signage in the glens, along the coast and around our burghs.

There are also many organised activities on offer in Angus during the summer – whether it’s sport sessions for youngsters, or the fascinating culture and history of the area, there’s plenty for local people and visitors to enjoy.

Welcome to your new-lookAngus Life magazine

Angus

Enjoy a fantastic summer in the countryside around Angus

www.angus.gov.ukThecouncil’smagazineforthepeopleofAngus

Issue10Spring2011

Also in this issue:• Kinloch development• Dealing with an emergency • Carers eff orts recognised• Support for your business

The great outdoors

IT’Simportanttousthatyouknownotonlywhatserviceswedeliverbuthowwellwearedeliveringthem.

Inadditiontotheusualselectionofnewsandfeatures,we’veintroducedminiperformanceguidestoAngusLife–lookoutfortheseHowWe’reDoingsnippets,withtrafficlightsymbolsshowingyouhowwearemeetingtargetsforkeyservices.

Thesymbolsindicatearedforadropinperformance,amberwhereperformanceremainsthesame,and

greenforimprovedperformance.Thiswillgiveyouamoreuser-

friendlyguidetoourperformanceandwillhelpustobemorecosteffectivebyreducingthenumberofpublicationswehavetoproduce.

£ We continually monitor our performance to identify where we’ve done well and where we could do better, and information is updated all the time at www.angus.gov.uk/performance

Shining a light on our performance8

THANKStoeveryonewhorespondedtothebudgetsurveyinthelastissueofAngus Life.

Thebudgetconsultationwasourfirstanditsetouthowwemightdeliver£23millionofsavingsby2014.Nearly300ofyourespondedandalthoughthatwasarelativelysmallsample,yourresponsesandcommentsgaveussomeindicationofwhatyouthought.Thesurveyresponsesareavailableatwww.angus.gov.uk/budgetfeedback

Therewasgeneralsupportforourfourprongedsavingsapproach–greaterefficiency,fewerstaff,morefocusedservicesandincreasedincome–todeliverthe£8.5millionofsavingsneededin2011/12.

Thefinalbudgetdeliveredasmuchofthataspossiblefromefficiencysavings–thisyearalmost50percent(£3.6million)ofthedepartmentalsavingswerefromefficiencies.Reductionsinstaffnumbersthroughnaturalturnover

willdeliverafurther£3.8million.Thesemeasures,coupledwithmorefocusedservicedeliveryandincreasedincome,willdeliverthetotalsavingsneeded.

Inresponsetoyourcommentssomesavingsproposalsweredropped.So,forexample,subsidisedcrèchesatleisurecentresarecontinuingandthereisnochangetorecyclingcentreopeninghours.

Wearealreadylookingatthe2012/13budgetwhichwillbejustastoughwithfinancesjustastight.Wewillagainbeseekingresidents’viewsbutthistimewemayusetheAngusCitizens’Panelandotherestablishedlocalorganisationsassoundingboardsforthe2012/13budgetproposals.

Thiswouldallowustohaveearlierandmoremeaningfuldiscussionswithlocalcommunitiesabouthowservicesaredeliveredandwheresavingscouldbemade.Wearealsoconsideringhowourbiennial

citizens’surveycanhelpinformourlonger-termfinancialplanning.

Wewillkeepyouuptodatewiththesebudgetdiscussionsthroughourwebsite,inthelocalpressandintheOctoberissueofAngus Life.

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News round-up www.angus.gov.uk

Our budget – what you said

Feedbackfromourfirstbudgetconsultationhelpsinformourdecisions

Grants for the communityIN2010/11,localcommunitiesbenefitedfrom£172,375fromthecouncil’scommunitygrantsscheme.

Theschemehasprovedsopopularthatthecouncilhasadded£100,000tothepotfor2011/12,givingorganisationsaccesstoevenmorefundsforcommunityprojects.Awardshavegonetoprojectsasdiverseasabowlingclub’skitchenrefurbishmenttothehallhireforadancefestival.

£ More information is available at www.angus.gov.uk/externalfunding or by calling the council’s external funding team on 08452 777 778.

Charter has royal sealAMONGthemanytreasuresheldbyAngusArchivesisaCharterwiththeroyalsealofMary,QueenofScots.

Thedocument,datingfrom1566,confirmsthesaleoflandsbyMatthewHepburn,chaplainofStCaldhameintheCathedralChurchofBrechintoSirJohnBellendemofAuchnole.

HepburnwastheyoungersonofBishopJohnHepburnofBrechin,andheservedasacanonofthecathedral.

Afterthereformationhesoldoffhischaplainrylands.

ThecharterisoneofthelargestandhasthebestpreservedroyalsealintheAnguscollections.

£ To find out more, contact 01307 468644 or email [email protected]

ThecharterhasthebestpreservedroyalsealintheAnguscollections

New housing www.angus.gov.uk

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WITHINthenext20years,therewillbeanincreaseof120percentinthenumberofpeopleovertheageof85inAngus–ariseofmorethan3,000toananticipated5,600.

AngusCouncilisrisingtothechallengeofmeetingtheneedsofanageingpopulationbyfocusingonwhatpeoplecandoforthemselvesratherthanwhatcanbedoneforthem.

Aspartofitsimaginativenewapproachtoolderpeople’sservices,thecouncilhasinvestedinanexcitingandinnovativenewdevelopmentlocatedintheheartofCarnoustie.

The£9millionKinlochdevelopmentmarksamajorandradicalshiftintheauthority’sprovisionofservicesforthecounty’solderpeople.

Thecarecentreandsupportedhousingprojectispartofalong-termstrategytotransformthehousingandcareavailableforolderresidents,enablingthemtoleadthemostindependentlivespossible.

Whencompletedearlyin2013,thenewfacilitieswillcompriseacarehomewithahighdependencyresidentialcareunit,arespitecare

unit,adaycarecentreandofficeaccommodation.Alongsidewillbethe28supportedhousingunitswithcommunalloungeandotherfacilities.

Thedevelopmentwillmarkthefirstphaseoftheprogrammetocreate265newsupportedhousingplacesinAngusby2028.

SocialWork&Health

directorRobertPeatexplainedthattheKinlochdevelopmentisanewmodelforthedeliveryofolderpeople’sservices,whichfocusesonsupportingtheirindependence.

“Wecarriedoutanextensivereviewofolderpeople’sservicesinAngusafewyearsago,andarenowworkingtoaddresstheneedsofagrowing-olderpopulation,byenablingthemtohelpthemselvesandtomaintaintheir

independence,whereverpossible,

intheirownhomes,”hesaid.Tennewcouncilhousesfor

familiesarealsobeingbuiltandwiththecommunity’splansforaciviccentreonthesite,thecompleteddevelopmentwillrevitaliseandinvigoratethecentreofCarnoustie.

£ For more on progress, including a virtual walk round the development, visit www.angus.gov.uk/kinlochdevelopment

Housing supports independent living

Whencompletedthenewdevelopmentwillhavearangeoffacilitiesforolderpeople

NewhousingdevelopmentinKinlochwillputolderresidentsattheheartofthecommunity

Plansarewellunderwaytocreatesupportedhousingunitsforolderpeople

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New housing www.angus.gov.uk

NATUREloversarebeingurgedtohelpprotectoneofthemostuniqueenvironmentsinAngus.

TheSouthEskPartnershipwantsthepublic’ssupportinreportinginvasiveweeds,freshwaterpearl

musselpoaching,speciessightingsandmanyothertopics.

£ Visit www.theriversouthesk.orgfor more details on the partnership and how you can get involved.

LONG-TERMplanstoregeneratetheCliffburnareaofArbroathhavetakenastepforward.

Thenextstagesintheregenerationoftheareawillincludethecreationofacommunityhub;considerationofthebestuseforSeatonParkandotherareasofgroundandassetsinthearea;proposalstosustainregenerationandemployment;andtheformationofanewfederationof

tenantstoensurecloselinksbetweentenantsandthelocalcommunityplanningteam.

Apart-timecommunitydevelopmentworker,fundedbythecouncil,willbeemployedforatleasttwoyearsbytheAssociationofResidentsofCliffburnandHayshead(ARCH)toassistwithplanningofthenextstagesofcommunityregeneration.

Inthefirstsixmonthsof2010/11,incidentsofantisocialbehaviourcontinuedtodecreasewithvandalismdown24percentandneighbourrelatednoisecomplaintsdown23percent,comparedwiththesameperiodlastyear.Therehasalsobeena29percentreductioninyouthoffendingforthesameperiod.

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river plea to public

next phase of Cliffburn regeneration begins

PLANSarewellunderwayforafantasticnewcommunityhubonpartoftheKinlochsite.

AngusCouncilhasdonatedthelandfortheprojectwhichisbeingtakenforwardbytheCarnoustieCentreActionGroup.

ChairofthegroupRodgerBruntonsaid:“Weareverygratefultothecouncilforitssupport.ThismakesitpossibletohaveacentralsiteinwhichtoofferfacilitiestosuittheresidentsofCarnoustie.

“RecentlyNicollRussellStudiosofBroughtyFerrywerechosentoworkwithus.TheHubistobeorientedtowardsthesouthformaximumexposuretothesunallowingforeventstogetthebestoftheweather.

“It’soveronefloorinordertobecompactandsustainable,butstillflexibleenoughtohostarangeofcommunityactivities.

AlisonPaget,chairoftheinterviewingpaneltoselectthearchitects,said:“Provisionwillbemadeforareceptionarea,an

attractivecafeteria,performanceareas,areasformeetings,spacestoaccommodateactivitiesforchildren,anITsuite,arecordingstudioandpossiblyadancestudioandspaceforheritageitems.”

ThearchitectswillgivepresentationsoverthesummertoengagethewiderCarnoustiepublicinthisexcitingproject.AlisonurgedCarnoustieresidentstocontinuetogivetheirviews.

“Theplanisconceptualandwillchangethroughouttheprocess.Peoplecanmaketheirviewsknownbyvisitingourwebsiteoratoneofthepresentations.”

ThegrouphopetomakeanapplicationforfundingtotheBigLottery.

AngusCouncilhasalsopledgedacashdonationof£140,000towardstheproject,subjecttoplanningconsentsandafullfinancialpackagebeinginplacebytheendofJune2013.

£ For more information, visit www.carnoustiecentre actiongroup.org

The centre for the community

Theproportionofpeopleaged85andoverwhohavetobesupportedinacarehomeasopposedtointhecommunityisreducing,despitetheeverincreasingnumbersofpeopleover85.AsatMarchthisyear,thetargetof28percentwasachieved.

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SUMMER’Snearlyhere,andwhatbetterwaytoenjoythegoodweatherthantogetoutandabout?

TheAnguscountrysidewithitsmixtureofspectacularcoastline,fertilestrathsandscenicglensisoneofthecounty’sgreatestassets.

Thecouncilrecognisedthatimprovedaccesstothecountrysidewouldencourageagreener,morehealthyandactiveAngusandbringeconomicbenefitstothecountybyattractingtourists.WorkingwithlocalcommunitiesandorganisationssuchasSustrans,thesustainabletransportcharity,thecouncilhascreatedanetworkofpaths.

AsAngus Lifewenttopress,workwasunderwayoncreatingthelatestlinkinthissetofroutes,withtheconstructionofacombinedfootpathandcyclewaybetweenMontroseandtheNorthwaterViaduct.

The£229,000investmentbyAngusCouncil,SustransandAngusEnvironmentalTrustwillestablishadedicatedoff-roadcombinedpathandcyclewayrunningfromBroomfieldinMontrosenorthwardsandlinkingwiththesouthernendoftheviaduct.TheroutewillthenfollowtheminorpublicroadtoStCyrusandbeyond,andformspartofthedesignatedSustransNationalCycleRouteandtheNorthSeaCycleRoute.

GraemeBrownofSustranssaidtheorganisationwasdelightedto

haveworkedcloselywiththecouncilovertherecentimprovementstotheNationalCycleNetworkRoute1.

“ThisprojectprovidesfacilitiesthatallowthepeopleofAngusandvisitorstotheareatotravelinwaysthatbenefittheirhealthandtheenvironment,”hesaid.

Toensureresidentsdon’thavetogofartoenjoythecountryside,aseriesofburghpathnetworkshavealsobeencreatedbythecouncil.

Forfar,Arbroath,Brechin,KirriemuirandMonifiethnowhavedesignatedpathnetworks,andoverthenextfewyearspathswillbecreatedaroundCarnoustieandMontrose.Thesenetworksoflinked,

signpostedrouteshavecreatedimprovedaccesstothecountrysidearoundtowns.Wherepossible,routesareaccessibletocyclistsandhorseridersaswellastowalkers.Someoftheroutesarealsosuitablefordisabledusersandfamilieswithpushchairs.

Alongthecoast,thecouncilhascreatedapath,whichnowextendsfromtheAngus/DundeebordertoEastHaven,covering12.5km.Justover85percentoftherouteisondedicatedoff-roadpathsandallissuitableforpeoplewithdisabilities.

TheextensionofthecoastalpathfromEastHaventoArbroath,covering6km,isprogrammedfor2011/12.

Intheglens,almost150kmofpathswerecreatedandimprovedaspartofthe

EasternCairngorms

AccessProjectcompletewithsignageandguidanceleaflets.

Theworkwascarriedoutovera225,000hectareareawhichmakesup60percentofwhatisnowtheCairngormsNationalPark.

Path infoIfyou’dliketoenjoythefabulousAnguscountryside,thereareleafletsavailablegivinglotsofdetailsonthepathnetworks.

£ These are available at libraries and other council offices and there’s also a wealth of information on the internet via the council’s site at www.angus.gov.uk/paths and at the Sustrans site www.sustrans.org.uk

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Countryside Access Update www.angus.gov.uk

Out and aboutInAngus,wehavefantasticcountryside–andthere’snobettertimetoenjoyitsbenefits

Theextremeweatheroverthewinterperiodimpactedonthenumberofpeoplebeingabletoaccesstheoutdoors,withthe

numberofvisitstoAnguscountryparksfalling

slightlyby3percent.

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A walker enjoys the view from the

Northwater Viaduct

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Road maintenance www.angus.gov.uk

Lastwinter’sArcticconditionsandsub-zerotemperaturesleftAnguswithabigpotholeproblem.

Incommonwithotherareasacrossthecountry,Angusroadssufferedextensivedamageduringthebigfreeze.

Theweatheraffectstheseverityofpotholesastheyareformedwhenwaterrepeatedlyfreezesandexpandsincracksintheroad,andtheresultinggapscancausedamagetovehicles.

Butthecouncilisrisingtothechallengeofrestoringitsroadsnetworkwithmorethan2600potholesbeingrepairedbyMay.

Engineeringcrewsareouttacklingtheworstaffectedspotsidentifiedbyroadsstafforreportedbymembersofthepublic.

Thecouncilinspectstheroadnetworkonarotationbasis,withthebusierroutesinspectedmoreoftenthanmoreminorroads.

Defectsarecategorised

accordingtothesafetyriskandarerepairedwithintimescaleswhichareinaccordancewithanationalCodeofPractice.Potholesarealsobeingfilledaspartofplannedmaintenanceandresurfacingworkwhereroadsneedmoreextensiverepairs.Theserepairsareprioritisedtakingintoaccounttheroadconditionanditstrafficuse.

Inordertorepairpotholesquicklytokeepthetravellingpublicsafe,somerepairsareonlytemporary,withfurtherworkbeingcarriedoutifandwhennecessary.

Someoftherepairworkisbeing

carriedoutusingaroadpatchingsystemthatiscosteffective,eliminateswasteandminimisesdisruption.TheRhinopatchsystemticksalltheboxesintermsofenvironmentalconsiderations,healthandsafetyandcostandisbeingusedwithgreatsuccessinAngus.

Tohelpdealwiththepotholesandotherproblemsthathaveemergedinthewakeoftheseverewinter,thecouncilhaspledgedextrafundingfortheupkeepofthecounty’sroadsnetworkin2011/12,bringingthetotalroads

maintenancebudgettomorethan£12m.

Anextra£400,000hasbeenallocatedtothewintermaintenancebudgettohelptackleconditionswhichappeartobegettingmoreextremeyearonyear.Someofthatmoneywillbeusedtoprovideanother100gritbinsacrossAngus,toassistresidentstohelpthemselvesduringspellsofwinterweather.

£ To report a pothole contact the council’s ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778.

AlthoughtherewasanincreaseinthenumberofroadsinAngusneedingmaintenancefrom27.1percentin2009/10to29.4percentin2010/11,anindependentsurveybySCOTS–thenationalorganisation

forseniortransportofficials–revealedthatthecounty’sroadnetworkisthefifthbestinScotland.TheextrafinancecommittedbythecouncilwillhelpkeepAngusamongthebestperformingauthorities.

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Councilallocatesanextra£400,000toitsbudgettohelptackleextremewinterweatherconditions

extra funds to help repair roads Nomatterwheretheyhappen,engineeringcrewsaretacklingpotholesacrossAngus

Summer in Angus

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Fabulously fun days out TheSignalTowerMuseuminArbroathhasbeenrevamped

Whetheryou’reaculturevulture,anoutdoorenthusiast,oraharassedparenthopingtokeepthekidsoccupiedduringtheholidays–there’ssomethinghappeningforyouinAngusthissummer.

Acrossthecountytherearenumerouseventsandactivitiesforallagestoenjoy.

There’snoexcuseforkidstocry“I’mbored!”duringthehols–therearelotsofsportingandleisureeventsonofferwhileschool’sout.

Thesummerprogrammeincludesactivitiesatallcouncilleisurefacilities,sports-specificcoaching,danceworkshops,theruralsummeractiveclub,AngusScottishFAsummerfootball,sportandrecreationforpeoplewithadisability,andholidayclubs.

DetailswillbedistributedtoallAngusprimaryschoolsbeforetheendoftermandwillalsobeavailablefromleisurefacilities,country

www.angus.gov.uk

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Fabulously fun days out Angusrangersare

encouragingpeopletogetoutandabouttotakepartinactivities

Childrenwillbegiventhechancetoget

involvedinorganisedsportingactivities

THEGREATESKAPEINANGUSA NEW visitor experience highlighting the history and natural beauty of one of the most remote parts of Angus has been launched.

The Great Eskape is a collaborative venture between Angus businesses with support from the council’s business advisory service.

Setting out for scenic Glen Esk on a luxurious vintage coach with an expert guide, the tour offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience the sights, tastes and culture of Angus.

The Great Eskape takes in the historic burghs of Carnoustie, Forfar and Brechin, before arriving in scenic Glen Esk.

There’s a chance to soak up the glen’s natural beauty, before arriving at The Retreat folk museum and restaurant for some traditional Scottish cuisine.

Also included are a demonstration of traditional crafts and a tour round the folk museum bringing the area’s rich heritage to life.

£ For more information visit www.thegreateskcape.com

parks,libraries,museumsandACCESSoffices.

AnguscountrysiderangerswillbeencouragingeveryonetogetoutandenjoythefabulousAnguslandscapefromtheirbasesatCrombie,MonikieandForfarcountryparks,MontroseBasinandGlenDoll.

ActivitiesincludeaguidedwalkacrossthemudatMontroseBasin,windsurfing,abatwatchanda

numberoffascinatingeventsrelatedtotheInternationalYearofChemistry,includinganillustratedtalkonthedarksideofplants!

Formoreinfoonanyoftheabovevisitwww.angus.gov.uk/leisure

AglimpseintothefascinatingpastoftheAngusburghsandsurroundingareasisonofferatthecounty’smuseums,includingArbroath’srefurbishedSignalTower.

Thanksto£450,000investmentbyAngusCouncil,therevampedmuseumboastsnewdisplaysfocusingontheburgh’sfascinatingmaritimeheritageandthelinkwiththefamousBellRockLighthouse.

Thisfamousstructureiscelebratingitsbicentenarythisyear,andoverthesummeranumberofspecialeventsareplannedtomarktheanniversary.Fordetailsvisitwww.angusahead.com/bellrocklighthouse

ThesearejustsomeofthewayslocalpeopleandvisitorscanwhileawaythesummerdaysinAngus.

£ For more information, visit www.angusahead.com

HOw we’re dOinGTherehasbeenayear-on-yearincreaseinthenumberofvisitorstotheAngusAheadwebsitelookingfortourismandleisureinformation,businessinformation,andlocalserviceandcommunityinformation.

SoakupthesummerwiththehugearrayofactivitiesandattractionsonofferinAngus

Civil contingencies

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Emergenciesdohappen,soitsessentialtoplanaheadtoprotectyourself,yourfamilyandyourbusinessfromtheunexpected

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Preparinga‘go-bag’withessentialkitcanhelpyouandyourfamilyduringanemergency

Wouldyouknowhowtoprotectyourself,yourhome,yourfamilyandyourbusinessiftheunexpectedhappened?

Thechancesofyoubeingcaughtupinamajoremergencyarelow,buttheydohappen,andatanytime.Wecan’tpreventthem,butwecanplanaheadtominimisetheimpact.Flooding,fluoutbreaks,terroristattacksandsevereweatherhaveaffectedScotlandinrecentyears.

JacquiSemple,AngusCouncil’scivilcontingenciesmanager,said:

“Takingafewminutestothinkaboutwhattodoinanemergencynowcouldmakesuchadifferencetotheoutcomeforyou,yourfamilyandyourbusiness.”

Youcanensureyourfamilyisreadybytakingsimplestepssuchas:• Havingawind-uporbatteryoperatedradioandknowinghowtotuneitintoyourlocalradiostation• Agreeingmeetingpoints• Ensuringyouhaveadequatecontentsandbuildingsinsurance

• Undertakingabasicfirstaidcourseandhavingafirstaidkit• Completingapersonalemergencycontactlist• Havinga‘gobag’whichcontainsessentialitemssuchasatorch,batteries,medication,toiletries,water,sparekeysetc• Preparingahouseholdemergencyplan• Checkingonneighbours.

Emergenciescanalsodisruptbusinesses,hittingprofitsandoperations,affectingemployees,customersandcommunities.

Businessesshouldhavesystemsinplacetobeabletocontinuetotrade.

Therearesomesimplestepsthatbusinessescantakesuchas:• Backingupcomputerrecordsoffsite•Identifyingwaystodealwithsignificantstaffabsences• Accessingessentialequipment

atshortnotice• Identifyingprocesseswhicharecriticaltocontinuinginbusiness• Preparingabusinesscontinuityplan.

working togetherAtsomepoint,communitiesinScotlandwillbeaffectedbyasituationwhichwillchallengetheirnormalday-to-dayexistence.

Angusmustbepreparedtodeal

Theseverewinterconditionscontributedtoa36percentincreaseinthenumberofincidentsrequiringtheout-of-hoursemergencyplanningservice.Allwererespondedtoandactioned.

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www.angus.gov.uk

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GoonlineforthelatestjobsTherecruitmentminisiteatwww.myjobscotland.gov.uk/angusholdsinformationonallcurrentvacancieswithinthecouncil,andallowsapplicantstoapplyonlineandstoredetailsforfutureapplications.

NewBrechinHighSchoolmovingforwardFollowinganextensiveconsultationprocess,AngusCouncilhasreaffirmeditscommitmenttothecreationofanewBrechinHighSchoolandcommunitycampus.

Theauthoritywillnowmovethe£24millionprojectforward,withthecommissioningofdesignandtechnicalservices.

Furtherdiscussionswithcommunitygroups,pupils,staffandparentswillalsotakeplacetoexploretheirrequirementsforthenewfacilities.

ViewstobeconsideredTheconsultationonproposalstoamalgamateMuirfieldandTimmergreensprimaryschoolsintoanewsingleschoolonasiteadjacenttoHospitalfieldHouseclosedon1April.

Theresponsesarenowbeingcollatedbythecouncilandwillbethesubjectofareporttotheauthority’sEducationCommittee.

ThecommunityralliedaroundduringtheseverewinterweathertosupportvulnerablepeopleinAngus.

0.00.20.40.60.81.0

Theamountofmunicipalwastegoingtolandfillhasreducedby7percentintheninemonthperiodApriltoDecember2010comparedtointhesameperiodlastyear.

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withtheexpectedandtheunexpected.

JacquiSempleexplained:“Emergenciesarehappeningsomewherealmosteveryminuteoftheday.Mostaredealtwithbythepolice,fireandambulanceservicesaspartoftheirday-to-daywork.Sometimesanincidentismoreseriousandneedstoinvolveotheragenciessuchaslocalcouncils,NHSandthecoastguard,amongothers.

“Alloftheseagenciesworktogethercontinuouslytoplanhowwewouldrespondto,manageandrecoverfromamajoremergency.Wehaveplansinplacetoprotectpeople,communitiesandtheenvironment,basedontherisksidentifiedwithintheAngusandTaysidearea,suchas,severeweather,flooding,pandemicfluandhazardpipelines.”

£ For more information, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/ready-scotland Information is also available on the Angus Council website at www.angus.gov.uk

Case studyThereareoftenwaysindividualsandgroupscanusetheirpracticalskillstosupportcommunitiesduringanemergency.

AgreatexampleofthisinAnguswasduringlastyear’sseverewinterweather,whenlocalgroupssteppedintohelpwiththedeliveryofvitalservices.

Asthecouncilstaffbattledtheelementstotrytoreachserviceusers,itbecameclearthatduringtheArcticconditionsonlyfourwheeldrivevehiclesweregoingtobeabletoreachsomeareas.

AnSOScallwentoutandamongthosewhorespondedwithoffersofhelpwastheTay4x4club.

MaryDonwasoneofthesevolunteersand,assheexplained,shewaspleasedtohelpoutherlocalcommunity:“Mydadreceivedcommunitymeals,andIknowhowimportanttheserviceisforelderlypeople.IfeltthatIcouldgivesomethingbackbyvolunteeringtohelpduringthesevereweather.

“Wehadmembersassistingwitheverythingfromdrivingdistrictnurses,totransportingmedicalsuppliesalloverTaysideandintoFife.Weareallusedtodrivinginallsortsofconditions–atonepointIwascaughtinaverybadsnowstorm,westillgotthroughit!

“Alltheclubmemberswerehappytohelp,it’simportantthatweallmuck-inandhelpeachotheroutinthesecircumstances.”

RobertPeat,AngusCouncil’sdirectorofSocialWork&Health,paidtributetoallthosefromthecommunitywhoralliedroundtoassisttheauthorityduringtheextremewinterweather.“Theappallingconditionsmeantwewerefacingunprecedentedchallengesinreachingsomeofourserviceusers,”hesaid.“Thankstothehelpwereceivedfromcommunity-spiritedindividualsandgroupssuchasthe4x4club,wewereabletodelivervitalservicesandprovidesupporttopeoplewhoarevulnerable.”

drivers rally together to help vulnerable people

Young carers

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ShannonDalzellisanormalteenagerwhoenjoysreadingHarryPotterandwatchingspookyTV.

Shannon(13)isalsothemaincarerforhermumDorothy,whowasdiagnosedwitharareblooddisorderthreeyearsago.

Duetohercondition,Dorothyhasmobilityandotherhealthissues,andreliesonShannonforpracticalandemotionalsupport.

Shannonadmitstohavingtobe“prettywellorganised”asatypicaldaycanincludeshopping,householdchoresandprovidingpersonalcareforhermum.

LifewastoughforShannonfollowinghermum’sdiagnosis,andwithnooutsidesupport,shewasundergreatstress.

Shannonsaid:“IwassoworriedeverytimeIleftthehouseaboutwhatwouldhappentomumwhileIwasaway.Shewashavingdizzy

spellsandIwouldbejustoutofthedoorandwanttogobacktomakesureshehadn’tfallenoranything.”

Beforetoolong,thestresshadanimpactonShannon’sattendanceatschool,settingoffalarmbells.

AnditwasthesupportoftheschoolwhichturnedbothherandDorothy’scircumstancesaround.

Fromthenthefamilywerereferredtoagencieswhoprovidesupportandassistance.ThishasreducedShannon’spressure,allowinghertocatchuponschoolworkandenjoysomefreetime.

Amongthoseagenciesisthe

AngusCarersCentre.Throughthecentre,Shannonwasabletomeetotheryoungcarersandshareexperiences.Shealsoreceived

supporttodealwiththeemotionalimpactofhermum’sillnessandhavingtotakeonacaringrole.

“Allmyfriendshavebeenreallyunderstanding,butitwasgreattomeetotherpeoplemyownagewhowere

carersandcouldunderstandwhatIwasgoingthrough.Throughthecentre,I’vebeenabletotalkaboutmyfeelingsandthishashelpedmeworryless.

“Youngcarersshouldn’tfeel

aloneorbeafraidtoaskforhelp,”shesaid.“Lotsofyoungcarersdon’twantotherpeopletoknowwhatishappening,butifyouapproachatrustedadultlikeateacherthereislotsofhelpoutthere.”

Dorothyalsoacknowledgedthehelp:“It’sbeengreatandreallyhelpedrelievesomeofthetension.Withhelpandsupport,IhavemanagedtostopworryingaboutShannonworryingaboutme!”

Youngcarers’workerKarynBradyhaswatchedShannongrowinconfidencesincebecominginvolvedintheyoungcarersservice.

“Shannoncomesalongtotheactivitiesandopportunitieswiththeserviceandnotonlytalksabouthowshefeels,butisalsoagreatsupporttootheryoungcarersbysharingherpositiveoutlookandexperienceofherownresponsibilitiesathome,”saidKaryn.

“Young carers shouldn’t feel alone or be afraid to ask for help”ShannonDalzell

Shannon shows us how much she cares

AcrossAngus,youngpeoplespendsignificanttimeandenergycaringforfamilymembers

Athomewithmum

13

www.angus.gov.uk

Theaveragelengthoftimepeoplehavetowaitforpersonalcareservicesinthecommunityhasreducedbymorethan13percentinthepastyear.Thetargetfornextyearistoreducethetimebyafurther20percent.

TheTowardsEmploymentteamsupported66peopletofindemploymentinthefirstsixmonthsof2010/11–alreadyexceedingthetargetsetforthefullyearby47percent.Thenumbersupportedintoself-employmenthasalsoexceededtargetsby60percent.

HOw we’re dOinG

HOw we’re dOinG

WorkonnewpoolbeginsWorkhasstartedonthe£9millionnewMontrosePool.

AngusCouncilisfundingtheprojectwitha£1millioncontributionfromsportscotlandandthecomplexisplannedtoopeninOctober2012.

Thesportscentreisclosedduringtheworksandthetownhallwillactasthemainadministrativehubforsportsandfitnessactivitybookings,enquiriesandcommentsaboutdecantfacilities.

ThehubisopenSundaytoFriday9amuntil10pmandSaturday9amuntil8pm.Itstelephonenumberis01674676211.

£ Information is also available via the website at www.angus.gov.uk/montrosesportscentre

Caring for the carers: how the council helps

ItisdifficulttoestimatehowmanyyoungcarersthereareinScotland,butresearchwouldseemtoindicatenumbersareincreasing.

TheScottishGovernmentisspearheadinganationalcampaigntoidentifyandsupportthishiddenarmyofchildrenandyoungpeople.

TheGettingItRightforYoungCarersstrategyrecognisesthatsomechildrenandyoungpeoplelikebeingyoungcarers.Theirroleallowsthemtoshowcommitmentandlovetoafamilymember,helpsthemgainskillsandtobecomemoregrown-upandindependent.

However,thereisalsorecognitionthatthenegativeaspectscaringcansometimeshaveonyoungpeople’slivesneedsaddressing.

InAngus,professionalsfromacrosschildren’sserviceshavebeenworkingforsome

timetoidentifyandprovidesupportforyoungcarers,andthisworkwillnowbetakenforwardinconjunctionwiththenationalagenda.

FionaRobertson,ofAngusCouncil’seducationservice,said:“Byraisingtheawarenessofstaff,suchassocialworkers,healthvisitorsandteachers,theywillbetterunderstandtheissuesaffectingyoungcarersandwillbemoreabletoidentifythosewhoprovidecare.Thisinturnwillremovesomeofthecaringbeingdonebyyoungpeoplebyprovidingbettersupporttothepersonbeingcaredfor.”

AkeypartofthesupportforcarersinAngusisthepartnershipbetweenAngusCouncilandtheAngusCarersCentre,alocalcharitywhichispartofthePrincessRoyalTrustforCarersnetwork.

AngusCarersaimtoimprove

thequalityoflifeforallcarersinthecounty,andhavespecificservicescateringforyoungcarersundertheageof18.

MhairiBlyth,deputymanager,explained:“Weoffervaryinglevelsofsupporttoaround200youngcarerslivingintheAngusarea.Weknow,however,thatthisisonlythetipoftheicebergandthattherearemanymoreyoungcarerswhohavenotbeenidentifiedand,infact,maynotevenrealisethemselvesthattheyareayoungcarer.

“WearecurrentlyworkinginpartnershipwithAngusCouncilandotherlocalorganisationstotryandraiseawarenessofyoungcarersandpromotetheworkwhichwearecarryingouttoimprovetheoutcomesforyoungcarersinAngus.”

£ If you are a young carer in Angus, then why not get in touch with the Young Carers Worker, by calling 01241 439157, by letter to Young Carers Worker, 3 Fisheracre. Arbroath DD11 1LE or by emailing [email protected]

Therehasbeenayear-on-yearincreaseinthenumberofyoungcarersidentifiedinAngus,from135in2009to193in2010,andinthenumberofcarerswhoreceivesomeformofsupportfromAngusCarersCentre.

HOw we’re dOinG

AngusCouncilisworkinghardtoprovidesupportforyoungcarers

Howdoyouturnagoodideaintoagreatbusiness?

Well,thegoodnewsforaspiringAngusentrepreneursisthatthere’sawealthofinformationandsupportavailabletonewandfledglingbusinessesinthecounty.

TheteamofbusinessspecialistsatBusinessGatewayAngusoffersmentoringtosmallandmedium-sizedbusinesses–helpingturnbusinessdreamsintorealityandprovidinginvaluablesupport.

DavidValentine,whoheadsupthecouncil’seconomicdevelopmentserviceandchairstheBusinessGatewayScotlandBoard,said:“Eveninthesetoughtimes,thereisastrongentrepreneurialspiritinScotland.Weneedtosupportthistoensurethevibrancyofthelocalandnationaleconomy.

“Bycombiningourexpertiseandthevisionandambitionsoflocalpeople,wecanhelplocalfirmsgetestablished,growandprosper.

“It’sclearfromourengagementwiththeAngusbusinesscommunitythattheyneedallthesupporttheycangetinthecurrenteconomic

climate.BusinessGatewaycanofferawealthoffreeinformation,advice,supportandsignpostingthatcanhelpthemtosurviveandthrive.”

InAngus,EnterpriseNorthEastTrustdeliverstheBusinessGatewayserviceforthecouncil.

Theteamoffersexpertadvicetocompaniesonmarketresearch,finance,businessplansandthelaw.

Freeregularworkshopsforpeoplethinkingofbecomingselfemployedorstartingabusinessarealsorun.Forexistingbusinesses,workshopsinsubjectssuchasaccountingandfinance,marketing,e-businessandgeneralmanagementarealsoavailable.

£ To get your business idea off the ground, or to access support for your existing business, just give the Business Gateway team a call on 0845 609 6611 or call 01382 443400.

Business Gateway www.angus.gov.uk

14

Ifyouwanttoworkforyourself,BusinessGatewayisheretohelpyourealiseyourdream

Have a big idea? $

Case study

EcobaseDaveRobertson’sbrainwaveforanewbusinessopportunitycamewhenhebegantonoticerecurringproblemsonbuildingssitesrelatingtotheinsulationofbothtimberframedandtraditionallybuilthouses.

Dave,anexperiencedarchitecturaltechnician,quicklyrecognisedaneedtofindaproductthatcouldbefittedretrospectivelytorectifythepoor

insulationthatwas,andstillis,commonplaceintheUK’shousingstock.

Aftermonthsofresearch,Daverealisedtherewasn’tasimplesolutionavailableintheUK.HestartedtolookfurtherafieldandcameacrosstheRetroFoamproductintheUSA.Davestruckanagreementwith

themainmanufacturersofRetroFoamtobringtheproducttotheUKandestablishedEcobaseInsulationinSeptember2009.

DavesoughtadvicefromtheBusinessGatewayonsettingupalimitedcompanyandwasintroducedtobusinessadviserBobMorrison.Togethertheyworkedthroughmanyoftheobstaclesfacinganewbusinessincludingraisingfinance,marketingandnetworking.

“Thisguidanceprovedextremelyvaluableandlaidthefoundationforthecompany,”saidDave.“ItisfairtosaythatwithouttheinvolvementofBusinessGatewayandAngusCouncil,Iwouldhavebeenunawareofthefinanceavailableandthiswouldhaveseverelyhamperedprogress.Thefreeadviceandsupportwasquitepossiblythedifferencebetweensuccessandfailure.”

£ For more information email [email protected]

DaveRobertsonfromEcobasewithBobMorrison,

provingstartingabusinesscanbeveryrewarding

Despitethecurrenteconomicclimate,98businessstart-upsinAngusweresupportedbytheBusinessGatewaybetweenAprilandSeptember2010comparedto65inthesameperiodthepreviousyear.

HOw we’re dOinG

15

Doorstoppers www.angus.gov.uk

Makesureyoudon’tfallvictimtobogussellers,pushysalespeopleandothertypesofdoorstepcrime.

TheDoorstopperscampaignprotectsAngusresidents–particularlythosewho

arevulnerable–fromcrimebycreatingzerotoleranceareasforcoldcalling.

DoorstopperspackswithstickersandleafletsareavailablefromAngusCounciltradingstandards,justcall01241 435600.

cold calling Zero tolerance

Stopcoldcallersintheirtracks–displayourcut-outDoorstopperssticker

for

$

WE DO NOT BUY FROMdOOrSTeP SeLLerS

Scotland

DoorstoppersisapartnershipbetweenAngusCouncil,AngusNeighbourhoodWatch,TaysidePoliceandAngusCareandRepair.

Councillors www.angus.gov.uk

16

1 KIrrIEMuIr & DEAn AlisonAndrews(LIBDEM),MiltonHouse,MiltonofFinavon,ByForfarDD83PY

Tel: (H) 01307 850 275 Email: [email protected]

IainGaul(SNP),46PriorRoad,ForfarDD83DTTel: (H) 01307 464 698

Email: [email protected]

IanMackintosh(CON),KirktonofKingoldrum,KirriemuirDD85HWTel/Fax: (H) 01575 574 716


2 BrEChIn & EDzELLMairiEvans(SNP)5AlbionPlace,ForfarDD82EHTel: 07500 101 724


RuthLeslieMelvilleMBE(IND),34ParkRoad,BrechinDD97APTel/Fax: (H) 01356 625 259


BobMyles(IND),Dalbog,EdzellDD97UUTel/Fax: (H) 01356 648 265


3 ForFAr & DISTrICTColinBrown(IND),LilybankFarmhouse,6LilybankRoad,ForfarDD82JB


BillMiddleton(SNP),51LilybankCrescent,ForfarDD82HZTel: (H) 01307 463 989


GlennisMiddleton(SNP),51LilybankCrescent,ForfarDD82HZ


JohnRymer(CON),NetherFinlarg,Forfar,DD81XQTel: (H) 01307 820 757


4 MonIFIETh & SIDLAWJeanLee(SNP)Cransdale,14DickStreetMonifiethDD54EFTel: (H) 07917 591 810


RobMurray(SNP),8Beechgrove,MonifiethDD54TETel: (H) 01382 534 908


MargaretThomson(LAB),92GrangehillDrive,MonifiethDD54RS


JohnWhyte(CON),34ReformStreet,MonifiethDD54BATel: (H) 01382 534 277


5 CArnouSTIE & DISTrICTBrianBoyd(IND)CeolnaMara,1LongRow,Westhaven,CarnoustieDD76BE

Tel: 07717 808 228 Email: [email protected]

PeterMurphy(LAB),Ashlea,44BurnsideStreet,CarnoustieDD77HL


HelenOswald(SNP),17IrelandStreet,CarnoustieDD76ASTel: (H) 01241 859 876


6 ArBroATh WEST & LEThAMDavidFairweather(IND),40AddisonPlace,ArbroathDD112BATel: (H) 07766 073 823


AlexKing(SNP),12DalhousiePlace,ArbroathDD112BTTel: (H) 01241 872 107


DavidLumgair(CON)10IdviesView,Letham,ByForfarDD82DUTel: 01307 818 233


PeterNield(IND),44KeptieRoad,ArbroathDD113EHTel: 01241 820 393


7 ArBroATh EAST & LunAnJimMillar(CON),26BEastAbbeyStreet,Arbroath,DD111ENTel: (H) 01241 873 763


DonaldMorrison(SNP),EastmostCottage,WestMainsofDunnichen,Letham

DD82NWTel: 01307 819 214 Email: [email protected]

RobertSpink(IND),TheGrange,Inverkeilor,ArbroathDD114UUTel: 01241 830 307


SheenaWelsh(SNP),Montquhir,Carmyllie,ArbroathDD112QSTel: (H) 01241 860 317


8 MonTroSE & DISTrICTDavidMay(LIBDEM),Evanston,LamondfauldLane,Hillside,MontroseDD109HX

Tel: 01674 830 673 Email: [email protected]

MarkSalmond(IND),3GardyneStreet,MontroseDD109BJTel: (H) 01674 660 098


PaulValentine(SNP),1RutlandCrescent,MontroseDD109ASTel: (H) 01674 677 235


SandyWest(SNP),Albainn,BridgeofDun,MontroseDD109LHTel: (H) 01674 810 297


Council members

©Crowncopyright.Allrightsreserved.100023404.2007

Yourcouncillorcanbecontactedat:Members’Services,TheCross,ForfarDD81BXTel:01307473000Fax:01307461968Email:[email protected]

Furtherdetailscanbefoundatwww.angus.gov.uk

1 Kirriemuir&Dean2 Brechin&Edzell3 Forfar&District4 Monifieth&Sidlaw5 Carnoustie&District6 ArbroathWest&Letham7 ArbroathEast&Lunan8 Montrose&District

Wards

Angus Life Spring 2011

Documents

Transcript of Angus Life Spring 2011