Author: Bruce Ryan

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Edinburgh Playing Out Public Meeting

(adapted from an email from Edinburgh Playing Out)
Playing Out is a way of reclaiming our city streets for children to play safely and for all age groups to come out of their houses and speak to their neighbours. It involves closing streets on a regular basis (this is flexible, but could be one afternoon a month) and allowing children, under the supervision of their parents, to play outdoors. Unstructured outdoor play with all age groups is important for children’s development. Streets which already organise playing out see an increased sense of community and responsibility  Residents’ cars, delivery vehicles etc are still allowed access, it is just through traffic which is prevented from using the road.
If you would like to hear how to organise a Playing Out street over the weekend of 9/10 April, come along to:
Edinburgh Playing Out Public Meeting
7.30pm Tuesday 9 February
City Chambers
253 High St
Edinburgh  EH1 1YJ

Please forward the poster below to anyone you think might be interested. Please see our Edinburgh Playing Out Facebook page too.Poster Playing out Public Meeting 9th Feb 2016

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Digital engagement for community councils

digicc workshops353x250

A report on digital engagement by community councils has just been published. Key findings include CCs’ frequent lack of human resources to create and maintain websites and social media presences. Without the necessary people, digital engagement with CCs’ citizens is a non-starter, as shown by the large number of lapsed CC online presences. There is also a clear need for hands-on training and guidance about setting up online presences using modern blogging platforms. Continue reading →

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Open Government!

Think government should be more transparent, engaging and accountable? Here’s how to get involved in writing the UK’s new open government action plan.

Open government is the simple but powerful idea that governments and institutions work better for citizens when they are transparent, engaging and accountable.

As a member of the global Open Government Partnership, the UK and devolved governments must publish an open government action plan in June 2016, setting out clear, specific and measurable open government reforms for the next two years.  In the spirit of open government, this action plan is being co-developed by government and civil society, and its implementation will be monitored by the Independent Reporting Mechanism of the OGP.   Continue reading →

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Waste Action Grants – apply now!

(adapted from an email from Edinburgh Council)

Communities across Edinburgh are being urged to submit their applications to the City of Edinburgh Council for a Waste Action Grant as the deadline fast approaches. The upcoming deadline is Tuesday 9th February.

Grants are available to fund eco-friendly projects that will encourage more people in the Capital to reduce, reuse and recycle. Groups who are working to prevent litter in their local area are encouraged to apply.

A range of funding is available, from smaller grants of £50-£200 to larger grants of £500 – £2500.

For more information, go to http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20203/funding_opportunities/650/waste_action_grant

Anita Sharkey| Senior Waste and Open Space Development Officer | Services for Communities | The City of Edinburgh Council | 33 Murrayburn Road | Edinburgh EH14 2TF | Tel 469 5070

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Ocean Terminal hotel draft plans

Holder Planning has submitted to Edinburgh Council plans showing two possible locations for a hotel at Ocean Terminal. Click the thumbnail to see the full-size PDF:

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This matter is at pre-application stage, and will be presented at  public exhibitions in February (10th and 24th (3.30pm – 7.30pm)) and at community council meetings.

We will update this post as soon as we know the exhibition locations, and at which CC meetings these plans will be presented.