Local Round-up: Store chain faces early year slump

SALES at the Edinburgh branch of department store chain John Lewis have declined in the first two weeks of the company's new financial year.

Sales were down 5.3 per cent at the St James Centre store in the two weeks to February 12 when compared to the same period of last year.

Across the UK, John Lewis recorded a 1.3 per cent sales rise during the two-week period, after recording 49.8 million of sales. Valentine's Day meant it had "tough comparisons to match".

10m wages hike blow for health chiefs

NURSING staff who receive wage hikes because of length of service will cost NHS Lothian 10 million this year.

"Incremental drift" is a challenging but unavoidable issue for health chiefs trying to balance the books.

It is understood automatic pay rises across other fields within the health board are also adding to the figure.

Bosses said the matter was having an impact on the nursing budget.

Plant protest at parliament

CAMPAIGNERS protesting against plans for a biomass plant in Leith are planning a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament.

The No to Leith Biomass Plant campaign have already collected hundreds of signatures.

Their demo is set to taken place from 12.30pm on Thursday.

Open season for university

THE Open University is hosting an Open Near You information event in Edinburgh next Wednesday to help local residents find out more about its flexible study routes.

The event will take place in its office at 10 Drumsheugh Gardens from 4pm to 6.30pm, with tutors on hand.

Council maps out new contract

COUNCIL chiefs have advertised the contract for a series of traffic marshals.

The Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership has operated the transport marshal scheme, which operates at four stances, since December 2006. It has advertised for firms to bid for the contract.

Agent appointed to find right mix for incubator

PROPERTY agents have been appointed to market an office at Edinburgh's BioQuarter.

CB Richard Ellis and DTZ will try to find tenants for the Bio-incubator building.

The ground floor of the building offers laboratory facilities, with office space above.

The building is currently under construction, and is due to be finished in August. The project is being funded through 12 million from the UK Strategic Investment Fund matched by Scottish Enterprise.