Community Councils Together on Trams (CCTT): joint statement and press release (PDF)

Introduction

1. As a coalition of the Community Councils (CCs) affected directly by the proposed extension of the Edinburgh tram through Leith to Newhaven, we approve the project in principle, and view it, if done well, as an important opportunity for the broader social and economic development of the Leith area and beyond. However, we currently have strong concerns that are outlined in this statement.
2. We are committed to ensure that, whatever the final decision of City of Edinburgh Council (CEC), the communities along the extended tram route are not adversely affected by that decision more than is absolutely necessary.
3. We have agreed to work together as CCTT to promote and safeguard community interests during this next phase of the project and to ensure that, as the work proceeds, if it does, our respective communities’ interests and views are effectively communicated to the Tram Team (TT) and CEC, and that timely, evidence-based responses are received by the community.
4. The communities that we represent are understandably extremely eager that the mistakes of the previous tram construction works should not be repeated. We think all sides can agree on that. Consequently the community is seeking a high standard of solid evidence that this time the work will be better planned and implemented.
5. Whilst we acknowledge there has been some limited community consultation, other experiences don’t bode so well. Some CCs have had promised presentations cancelled, and frequently our requests for additional information have not been answered.
6. This leaves the unavoidable impression that issues are being rushed and key information is not being shared. We fear in such circumstances that mistakes, a lack of incorporation of community concerns, and oversights, are all possible. It is vital that the confidence of our communities is not put at risk through inadequate information and communication.
7. The result is that, as of the present time, the four CCs which are party to this submission do not have the level of confidence and standard of evidence that our communities need.

Below we outline our key areas of concern. Continue reading →