Another year has passed in which Leith Walk, our much-loved and iconic high street, continues to dominate our meetings. Depending who you’re talking to, Leith Walk, once designated as a pedestrian-friendly boulevard or, more recently, a dual carriageway with pedestrian-deterrent paving (if the current tram designs go ahead), continues to be a political football. Plagued by disruption and road works for over 12 long years, residents are fed up and sharply divided as to whether the trams, should the plans be approved, will actually benefit the area. Continue reading
Author Archives: minsec
Parking petition a success – so far
The petition sponsored by Leith Central Community Council, Improving Parking in the Leith Central Area (LCA), closed on 10 May with 390 signatures. On Thursday 17 May, members of LCCC and Abbeyhill Colonies Residents Association (ACRA) were invited to the Transport and Environment Committee to speak to the petition.
Iona McLeod, ACRA chairperson and spokesperson for the LCCC Working Group on Parking, spoke about the issues around parking in the area. Charlotte Encombe, LCCC Chairperson, and Sheila Kennedy, LCCC Secretary and ACRA Treasurer, made supplementary comments. Councillor Susan Rae of the Green Party was there in a supportive role and also spoke of the effect parking pressures can have on residents in the area. You can see the full discussion, from 1:59, at https://edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/293987.
The points made were well received by the committee and it was agreed that we had met the criteria in Section 2 of the Controlled Parking and Priority Parking Protocol.
Council officers are currently working on a strategic plan on parking for the whole city with a report due in August. It was agreed that the LCA would be considered as part of this review but also as a separate entity due to its particular pressures. If Controlled Parking Zones were to be extended following this report, this would be done on a rolling basis and LCA would be one of the first. The pressures discussed were:
- The proximity of the area to the city centre and the use of the area by commuters
- The proposals to extend the tram and the extra effects this would have on parking and pollution
- The current and proposed developments in the area which put further pressures on parking.
In the very short term, a Council officer agreed to look at better enforcement, in discussion with colleagues in Parking, to deal with drivers who park on double yellow lines or who double park and cause obstructions.
The delegates left the meeting feeling very positive but will await further developments!
Alcoholics Anonymous – A Service for Professionals
(adapted from an email from Alcoholics Anonymous)
In Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A) we are always seeking to strengthen and expand our communication with professionals. Those who work or support with problem drinkers share a common purpose with A.A: to help those people stop drinking and lead a healthy, productive life.
A.A is a non profit, self-supporting, entirely independent fellowship – ‘not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution.’ A.A as an organisation and fellowship is in a position to serve as a resource to you through its policy of “cooperation but not affiliation” with the professional community.
The Free Event
17th May 9.30 – 12.30pm Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket Edinburgh EH1 2PG
The aim of this event is provide some insight into Alcoholics Anonymous and how our 12 step programme and meetings can help problem drinkers recover from alcoholism. You’ll hear about the free services we can provide to those involved with problem drinkers and how we provide talks and literature for Schools, Colleges Universities, other Agencies and Employers.
Crowdfunding to save the Royal High School
(adapted from an email from the Cockburn Association)
The Old Royal High School is under threat!
Please help us win the planning appeal by pledging a contribution!
Thomas Hamilton’s Royal High School, built between 1825-9, is one of the most important Greek Revival buildings in Europeand was one of the buildings to inspire the moniker of ‘Athens of the North’. It is composed of a powerful symmetrical grouping of principal Doric temple-pavilion, flanking colonnades and subsidiary temples, fully exploiting a prominent elevated site.
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/old-royal-high-school-appeal
As members will know, developers are proposing to convert the building into a luxury ‘6-star Art Hotel’, which will include two massive bedroom wings that will swamp the careful composition of the Category A-listed former Royal High School buildings, and seriously affect the setting of not only this building, but of Calton Hill, one of the most important landscape features in the City. Continue reading
Scottish Power project at Shrubhill Substation, Dryden Gait
(adapted from an email from SP Energy Networks)
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is responsible for delivering a reliable, consistent and safe electricity supply to customers. Ongoing investment and reinforcement ensures this is provided effectively and as part of our ongoing programme we plan to commence a replacement project at Shrubhill Substation, Dryden Gait within Leith Walk Ward.
Our Stakeholder Engagement Strategy is an important aspect of any project as we liaise with the local community in an effort to inform them of any proposed activity which may affect them. Part of this ongoing process is to provide information to the local elected members, community council and the wider community.
The work involves the installation of a 275 kV transformer and associated equipment which will include the demolition and removal of the ageing substation infrastructure being replaced. All activity will occur within the confines of the substation and the delivery of the new transformer is scheduled in October 2018.
It is anticipated that work will begin week commencing 11 June 2018 with the programme running on until around December 2018, barring unforeseen developments. As with any significant construction project, there will be different phases of activity.
SPEN are holding a drop-in information event for local residents which will take place between 3pm and 7:30 pm on Tuesday 29 May 2016 at Pilrig Bowling Club, Pilrig Gardens, Edinburgh, EH6 5AZ. Members of the project team will be present to provide information – an invitation is also extended to the members of Leith Central Community Council.
All parties involved in the activity will do the utmost to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.
Should you require any further information please contact Karen MacGregor or Colin Wylie by email (colin.wylie@spenergynetworks.co.uk) or phone on 0141 614 3231 or 07516 461129.
Colin Wylie
Community Relations, Major Projects, Ochil House, 10 Technology Avenue, Blantyre, G72 0HT
0141 614 1582 / 07808 000148
colin.wylie@spenergynetworks.co.uk
Leith Central Community Council 