Community News: Fewer left without roof over heads

HOMELESS charities have welcomed news that the number of people being evicted from their homes in Edinburgh has fallen 32 per cent.

In total, there were 180 evictions in the city during 2009-10, according to the figures from Shelter Scotland.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "It's great news that evictions in Edinburgh are down by 32 per cent. We have been campaigning to make eviction the last resort and these figures show the council is responding."

University opens doors via internet

The University of Edinburgh will hold a virtual open week next month

Anyone interested in taking up postgraduate study at the university can go online to visit a series of chat rooms and "virtual spaces" between February 21 and 25. The event offers participants the chance to talk to staff from their subject area, discuss career opportunities and financial support, and meet current students. Register at www.ed.ac.uk.

Garage firm parks at site for another 15 years

A COMPANY that makes garage doors is to remain in its base at the Russell Road Industrial Estate for another 15 years after agreeing a lease extension with the city council.

Council chiefs have agreed to extend the lease of The Garage Door Company, which has been based at the site for 21 years, by another 15 years.

The extension, subject to approval by members of the council's finance and resources committee, will see the company's rent rise from 13,970 to 14,200 a year from April 1.

Election body on the move

THE body responsible for organising elections is to set up its new Scottish headquarters.

The Electoral Commission is to rent out space in three vacant rooms on the second floor of the council-owned Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge. It will pay an annual rent of 15,070.

Puppets tell a tale at museum

There will be a free puppet show at the National Museum of Scotland on January 9. Alba Adventures will present the story of Black Douglas, introduce Hamish the Highlander, and tell the tale of the last bear in Scotland. The show takes place at 12.45pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm.

Have you any wool for this?

Green group Global Cool will hold a free fashion workshop showing how to re-style and customise woolly jumpers on January 12. The event is free, with stylists on hand to help recycle old jumpers and brighten up new ones. The event is at the Festival Theatre between 7pm and 10pm.

See www.globalcool.org.