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Broxburn and Uphall Traders’ Association Announce COVID-19 Support Scheme for Local Shops
Broxburn and Uphall Traders’ Association (BUTA) have announced that with the support of the Broxburn and Uphall Town Centre Management Group they are jointly funding a new scheme to help support the local COVID-19 response.
The scheme will not just be open to their own members, but also to other small independent retailers in Broxburn and Uphall who had to close during the lockdown.
The key item of this support is in the provision of a kit of essential PPE and signage for shopkeepers, designed to help them open up and operate post-lockdown in accordance with Government guidelines and make it safer for their staff and customers alike. This will be backed up at a later date with a Shop Local – Shop Safer campaign.
This scheme is designed to support small businesses operating in Broxburn and Uphall who were forced to close during the Pandemic Lockdown and remained closed until at least 16th June 2020.
The contents of the kits range from hand sanitiser, to face masks and also signage.
The area supported by the scheme includes East Main Street, Goschen Place, Greendykes Road, Station Road and West Main Street, Broxburn also East Main Street and West Main Street, Uphall. Applications are welcomed from small independent traders who are not part of a multi-national or chain of businesses.
Further details of the scheme and conditions available on the BUTA website.
Broxburn pupil becomes first from her school to make the Scottish National Debating Team
A Broxburn Academy pupil has become the first from her school to make the Scottish National Debating Team and will compete in a worldwide competition this July.
Emma Bell, who is currently moving into fourth year at the West Lothian school, was one of only five pupils to make the team alongside Lachlan White from George Watson’s College, Eoghan Connolly from Douglas Academy in East Dunbartonshire, Freddy Simonet-Lefevre from Craigmount High School and Oscar Swire from Stewart’s Melville College. Speaking to the media, Emma said : “This team is usually made up of private school pupils, I’m in the middle of nowhere and its not something our school have done or considered before. My headteacher was really happy, all the teachers were all emailing out to say congratulations,” Emma added, “I was absolutely gobsmacked, I was one of the youngest at trials and I’m the youngest in team now, hearing my name get picked I was so surprised, I went into it because I wanted to build on my skills and wanted to learn more about topics. I didn’t expect to be picked, it was surreal.”
The five debaters will represent Scotland at the prestigious World Schools Debating Championships in July.
It was originally due to be held in Mexico, but as a result of COVID-19 will instead take place online.
At the world championships, teams from around the world debate on a variety of topics – both prepared and unprepared. Topics this year include debates on using computer algorithms for criminal sentencing and legalising drugs in specific parts of cities.
The last time Scotland was crowned world champions at this competition was in Cape Town in 2012 and the team is keen to bring the trophy home again. Best of luck to everyone involved!
Photo – Sarah Boyack MSP
Broxburn Grandma is viral hit with mobility scooter video
Amy Penman posted a sweet video this week on social media of her grandmother celebrating her first trip out of the house in Broxburn and it has proved to be something of an internet sensation.
The rebellious grandmother left her house for the first time in three months and headed straight to Uphall Skatepark to hit the ramps on her mobility scooter.
She can be seen cheering ‘wee’ and laughing while wearing a face mask as she put her skating skills to the test on Tuesday.
Miss Penman said: ‘It was her first time out in four months, as she had to self-isolate because she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with an oxygen tank on the back of her scooter.’ News of the story has reached as far as Arizona and Australia and has been covered in the UK national press.Police in West Lothian Issue Warning over Off Road Bikes using Greendykes Bing
West Lothian Police have issued warnings on social media against nuisance off road dirt bikes using Greendykes Bing without permission and causing a disturbance for local residents in Broxburn
According to Police Scotland , over the past couple of months there has been a significant increase in the illegal use of off road bikes at the Greendykes Bing, Broxburn.
This has resulted in numerous complaints from local residents whose lives are affected by the anti-social constant noise from these bikes.
Police Scotland have been liaising with the landowners who have reiterated that they have not given permission for anyone to use their land for off road biking.
It is an offence under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to drive an off road bike on the bings or any footpath or bridal way including the canal towpath.
In addition the bikers are leaving significant litter and are causing damage to the bings, which are designated as scheduled monuments and therefore legally protected.
Police Scotland are requesting that the public report incidents via 101 quoting incident number 1854 29/05/2020 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and provide information to assist in identifying those involved.