West Lothian Council delivers

Community News

 

Welcome to West Lothian's online news service -

Community News.

You can use Community News to tell people in your local community and throughout West Lothian what is happening in your area and publicise your events and initiatives.  We have dedicated pages for your council ward so you will be able to find out what is happening locally.  If you have any news, just email us or phone 01506 282001.  We can also take pictures, although you must guarantee that you have permission from anyone who appears in the picture that it can be published online. The content of the Community News area is subject to copyright and should not be copied without permission .

• CLICK HERE to view Balbardie Primary School singing Robert Burns
• CLICK HERE (new window) to view Mid Calder Primary School singing Robert Burns
• CLICK HERE to listen to another song from Mid Calder Primary
• CLICK HERE (new window) to view St Ninian's Primary School singing Robert Burns 
• CLICK HERE  to listen to a Burns song from St Ninian's Primary School

Art group's big day out

The art group at Blackburn Adult Support Services enjoyed a day out to New Lanark.

"This was a cultural day out for the group made possible with the recent donation to the group from the Miss West Lothian event," said tutor Joe Hawthorn.

"The group had an absolutely fantastic time and they have been raving about it ever since."

Joe added that the group had discussed various projects they wished to take part in, using the bremainder of the £400 donation.

Prison to strengthen links with community

Addiewell Prison is set to strengthen its links with the local community.

A community and charities workshop will be set up over the next three months, with prisoners making items such as planters for schools and benches for cemeteries.

Over the last year, prisoners have undertaken a number of charitable events. During the festive season, Santa's sleigh was refurbished for local community groups through Livingston Rotary.

In a report to the Fauldhouse and Breich Valley local area committee on Tuesday, 9 February, prison director Audrey Park added that the prison was also now a large employer in the area, with more than 350 staff. "Forty per cent of our staff come from within a 10-mile radius of the prison," she added.

Police appeal for witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information about a robbery  in Whitburn to come forward.

About 9.50pm on Thursday, 4 February, a couple were attacked by three males at the rear of the Shop N Save, off East Main Street.

The attackers stole a handbag containing personal effects. They then made off on foot through Drysdale Avenue and Lambie Street.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 01506 431200.

Junk matters

Pupils at Stoneyburn Primary School used junk materials to make models of three famous Scottish landmarks, the Forth Road Bridge, the Forth Rail Bridge and Edinburgh Castle.

It was part of the school's 'Eco day of action'aimed at showing how seriously pupils and staff in the school view 'Eco' matters.

Every group produced some sort of artefact, which they later presented to an audience.

As well as the 'junk' landmarks, other presentations included how the school supports health and wellbeing through healthy eating. Another group made a woven Scottish Saltire flag by re-using plastic supermarket bags.

And the presentations were even kicked off with a fashion show of clothes pupils had made from litter, particularly sweet and crisp wrappers.

The artefacts produced are on display in the infant open area of the school.

This week's speed camera locations

Mobile speed cameras will be operational the following locations in West Lothian during the week beginning Monday, 8 February:

Deans Road North, Livingston; A89 Armadale; A706 Longridge; A71 Breich; A71 Polbeth and A706 Cairnie Place, Whitburn.

Meeting of war Memorial group

The next meeting of Broxburn and Uphall War Memorial Group is at 6pm on Wednesday 17 Feb in Uphall community centre.

Broxburn and Uphall Town Centre Management Group next meet at 9.30am on Tuesday 2 March,in Broxburn Academy.

Help wanted with eco-friendly gala

Craigshill Festival Association are looking for people to help with this year's gala, which will take place on 21 August.

The theme for 2010 is for Craigshill to show off how to be ECO friendly.

Anyone with an interest in the gala or time to attend committee meetings will be made welcome.

The next  three meetings will be held at Letham Primary School at 9.30am on 19 February, 19 March and 23 April.

Anyone not able to attend but who might have positive suggestions for the big day, should email:  craigshillgala@hotmail.co.uk

Community business is kids' play

A new community interest company, selling recycled baby and children's goods at affordable prices, will open in Bathgate at 10am on Wednesday, 10 February.

Kidzeco, at King Street, is looking for donations of good quality clothes, toys, baby goods and equipment.

All proceeds will be reinvested in the enterprise, local community and designated charities.

The shop will also sell a selection of handmade gifts made by local craftspeople, such as baby quilts, christening gifts, jewellery wraps, scented hearts, and jewellery, all in keeping with the recycling ethos.
Donations of old jewellery, beads, buttons, fabric and yarn etc. will also be appreciated. The shop has a baby change and feeding room, with comfy sofas and breastfeeding facilities.

For further information, to volunteer help, or to donate items, contact Tracy Murdoch on 07766 522 715 or email tracy.murdoch@kidzeco.net.

Race for Life at Hopetoun House

The 2010 Race for Life event takes place at Hopetoun House on Sunday 9 May.

Last year, 2,000 women took part in the 5k walk, jog or run for Cancer Research UK, raising a total of £169,000 for the charity.

Invite to pupils' exhibition

Pupils at Blackridge Primary are holding an exhibition of paintings and other artworks by the whole school from 1.15 - 3pm on Wednesday, 10 February, in the Craig Inn Centre.

The ?Local Landscape National Treasure? exhibition is being held in association with Scottish Natural Heritage

The paintings are inspired by the Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve on the school's doorstep.

Voluntary sector forum

West Lothian Voluntary Sector Forum takes place from 1.30 - 3.30pm on Wednesday 17 February in St. Mary?s Church Hall, Bathgate.

Ten in a row for big sale

A fund raising event set up by two staff members at Strathbrock Partnership Centre has raised more than £4,500 down the years for local good causes.

Now Linda Muir and Martha Nelson could break the £5,000 barrier with their 10th annual 'big sale' at Strathbrock on Tuesday, 2 February.

Staff put their suggestions for good causes into a hat. And the money goes to whichever one is drawn out. Their first sale raised money for the Tsunami Appeal. And other causes who have benefited from Linda and Martha's efforts include the British Heart Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and the Bathgate branch of Alzheimer's Scotland.

Linda (above right) and Martha organise sales of home baking, unwanted Christmas gifts and other items for their fundraiser.

Their final tally from the 10th 'big sale' won't be known until after the week-long raffle is drawn.

Complete transformation of community school

A £20 million refurbishment and extension of Inveralmond Community High School is now completed.

The Leader of West Lothian Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, unveiled a plaque at the school on Friday 29 January to celebrate the completion of the works.

As well as a complete refurbishment of all areas, the school has benefited from entirely new areas including a welcoming reception area for community users, an impressive assembly hall with retractable bleachers seating, new pupil support rooms with reconfiguration in the Craft, Design and Technology and Home Economics departments.

An external changing block has been built to support use of the all weather pitch and the Music department now has a recording studio facility.

Bill Tevendale, Head Teacher, said: "The transformation of the school and the improvement has been remarkable, and has set Inveralmond up to enjoy another 30 years as one of Scotland's leading community schools.

"I must pay tribute to the staff and the pupils who have accommodated and supported the refurbishment, and express my appreciation to the council for their confidence and the magnificent investment."

Celebrations at family centre

Broxburn Family Centre are celebrating after finally purchasing their premises at Henderson Place.

Last year, it was feared the organisation might lose their home after their landlords submitted a planning application to replace the centre with flats.

Now the Family Centre's management board is inviting all users and supporters of the centre, past and present, to come and celebrate the successful campaign to save the Centre from developers and secure its future.

There will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony, unveiling of a special commemorative banner to mark the Centre?s 21st anniversary and refreshments, at the Centre at 10.30am on Friday 26 February, to which everyone is welcome.

Homes wanted for cats

The Cats Protection League is holding a 'homing' day at Bathgate Community Centre, from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, 6 February.

Anyone interested in homing a cat can come along and speak to the pet's foster parent.

Fuller information about the local Cats Protection League can be obtained from 07050 252 203.

This week's speed camera locations

Mobile speed cameras will be operational at the following locations during the week beginning Monday, 1 February:

Deans Road North, Livingston; A89 Armadale; A706 Longridge; A899 Lizzie Bryce; A899 Deer Park; A71 Breich; A71 Polbeth and A706 Cairnie Place, Whitburn.

Going green nets gold for school

Going green has helped a West Lothian primary school achieve gold.

As recognition for their outdoor efforts, Polkemmet Primary School has been presented with a gold award by the Green Tree Schools initiative.

Launched by the Woodland Trust, the scheme offers schools the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, the wonderful world of wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Road at railway bridge to close

The stretch of road underneath the railway bridge at Uphall Station will be closed from 9pm on Friday 9 April to midnight on Friday 23 April.

This is to allow for structural repairs to be carried out.

There is an alternative route via the A89, A899, Houstoun Road, Uphall Station Road (Pumpherston) Drumshoreland Road and the C4.

Access will be maintained for pedestrians through the site, or a mini bus will be provided when required.

Mind over matter at centre

A young mind reader described as the next Derren Brown is set to perform at Howden Park Centre on Friday February 12.

Born and brought up in Harthill, Colin Mcleod studied forensic science at university.

One of his earliest appearances was at the Miss West Lothian event. Now he travels the world, performing to corporate crowds and major events, such as the Edinburgh Festival.

He devotes time each year to support a local charity and has agreed to perform for one night only in Howden Park Centre.

Colin will be supported by fantastic magician Gary James and stand up comedian Gavin Oattes.

Road closed for tree felling

The B8028 at Westfield will be closed from 9am to 4pm on Tuesday 16 March to allow tree felling operations to take place.

The road will be closed between the B8028 junction with Lomond View to Barbauchlaw Lodge.

An alternative route will be available.

Looking back at local history

A 10-week local history course on the Livingston area of Dedridge and Murieston has now started at the Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge.

It also takes in Bellsquarry and Mid Calder.

The course will run on Thursdays from 12.45pm to 2.45pm in room GP2 in the Lanthorn.

On Thursday, 4 February, the group will visit the local history headquarters in Blackburn.

New dental unit is officially opened

A new state-of-the-art dental unit at St John's Hospital was officially opened on Tuesday, 26 January, by Public Health Minister Shona Robison.

The £500,000 investment, by West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP) will provide improved specialist services and allow the training of more dentists.

The new unit, has five dental chairs, and provides better access for inpatients at the hospital, patients in the community with complex medical needs and access to specialist orthodontist services.

It will also provide outreach training for postgraduate dentists and dental care students, creating a new generation of professionals including dentists, hygienists/therapists, orthodontic therapists and dental nurses.

The first patient to be treated after the official opening was Trish Serls, from Stoneyburn.

Back to school for River City actor

Actor Ryan Smith, who plays Charlie in the popular soap opera River City, visited Deans Community High School on Monday, 25 January, to talk to pupils.

"I think there was a poster up, so they knew who I was," said Ryan, who also attended assembly in the morning and a drama class at the end of the school day.

A practising Christian, Ryan was invited by the school's chaplain, who was a minister at the actor's church.

"When I was at school it wasn't cool to be an actor," said Ryan, "if I can encourage people to get into that it's something I would quite like to do."

Whilst at the school, Ryan found time to talk to canteen worker Ann Donnelly, who is a big River City fan. Ann is retiring next week after working in the school canteen for 20 years.

CLICK HERE to listen to a podcast interview with Ryan

Signed Proclaimers painting winner drawn

The winner of a painting signed by Proclaimers duo, Craig and Charlie Reid, was drawn on Monday, 25 January, by Miss West Lothian, Domenique Whiteford.

The painting was done by Blackburn Support Services Art Group, who gave it away in the free prize draw.

Originally the group were going to use the painting to raise some much-needed funds. But they felt that a feel-good event would be more use in amongst all the current gloom and doom.

Linda Busby was the winning name drawn out by Miss West Lothian.

Demolition underway at Deans

The demolition of the old Deans Community High School is now well underway.

The familiar landmark is fast disappearing from the Deans skyline as the bulldozers make fast work of the building.

Pupils recently moved into a brand new building adjacent to the site of the old school.

Walking back to happiness

A number of the 'put your west foot forward' walking groups have restarted after the festive break.

The Health Walks in Winchburgh Spring Programme started from 28 January, with a pedestrian tour of the village. The walk sets off from the Tally Ho car park at 10.30am.

Put Your West Foot Forward Armadale meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am. Put Your West Foot Forward Craigshill meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am. Put Your West Foot Forward Fauldhouse walking group meets every Thursday at 2pm at St Andrew's Church Hall.

Prom fayre a roaring success

The S6 prom fayre at Inveralmond Community High School was a glamorous and glitzy affair.

Pupils and staff alike modelled a varied range promwear to a packed and appreciative audience.

The school's annual prom will take place in June.

Tuesday's event raised money to help children with cancer.

Temporary road closure

The A706 at Breich will be closed for a maximum of five days from 6pm on Friday 12 February from the junction with the A71 to the junction with the A704.

The closure is to allow new road markings to be carried out, although it will only be closed when work is ongoing on site.

Diversions are available via the A706, A704 and A71.

Actress is still game for coming to Craigshill

Top television actress Jane McCarry is coming to Craigshill to meet the local community.

Well known as Isa Drennan in Still Game, Jane now has a host of younger fans from her role as Granny Murray in the TV programme 'Me Too'

She will be attending the 'Celebrating Craigshill' event at Riverside Primary School from 10am - 3.30pm on Saturday 20 February.

Craigshill has been selected to be one of ten demonstration projects across Scotland to look at developing community engagement.

The aim of the event is to  raise awareness and to develop the interest of local people to become more involved in their community.

Footpath and car park to close for six months

A car park and footpath will be closed for a maximum of six months while work is carried out to demolish Cheviot House and Lammermuir House, Livingston.

The car park and footpaths extending east and west to Cheviot House and Lammermuir House will remain closed until Sunday 12 July.

Pedestrians will be diverted along a signposted route using adjacent footpaths. No alternative car parking will be provided.

Leo's invite to top exhibition

Linlithgow artist Leo du feu has been invited to take part in a prestigious new exhibition.

Shortly after graduating in 2006, Leo's work was shown in the annual Leith Gallery New Faces exhibition.

The Leith Gallery, Edinburgh, is now 15 years old and has invited back a selection of artists to take part in 'New Faces Revisited'.

Leo's paintings include four new miniatures.

Water safety trips for youngsters

The Bridge 19-40 Canal Society is carrying out a week of water safety boat trips on the Union Canal for primary 5-6 children from 22 to 26 March.

The society will be taking 13 classes out, three a day Monday to Thursday and one on Friday.

The local community police officer will be on board to talk to the youngsters about water safety.

Next half marathon in May

The second annual West Lothian Run half marathon is due to take place on Sunday May 24.

Before then, the committee are holding an Easter fun run at Beecraigs Country Park. There will be 5k and 10k events, as well as an easter egg hunt for younger family members.

More information can be obtained from the website www.westlothianrun.co.uk (new window)