Maureen Child: Report & Updates November 2011

[administrator]

Dear All

Please find my latest local Councillor's Report attached.

For those at last night's Portobello Community Council - this is a 'new edition' compared to the one I tabled.

Councillor’s Report
October/November 2011

Maureen Child, Labour Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar

Edinburgh Local Development Plan – Have Your Say
This might sound like a dry-as-dust planning document but it sets out the polices and proposals guiding development and land use in Edinburgh but it has implications for whether planning applications on land and spaces near you will get planning permission – or not. It is particularly important for Newcraighall and Gilberstoun residents. The Main Issues report which asks for your views on 20 questions, and the supporting Monitoring Statement and Environmental report can be viewed in Council Libraries, including Craigmillar and Portobello. They are also on the internet at http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/localdevelopmentplan or you can buy paper copies. You can have your say by online questionnaire, by post to LDP Team. Waverley Court, (G1) 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG or by email to localdevelopmetnplan@edinburgh/gov.uk Comments on the Main Issues and the Environment Reports should be received by Friday 27 January 2012. If you have any queries, phone 0131 469 3411/3590.

Towerbank Primary School Extension
I am very pleased that the new extension and nursery building has finally got planning consent. The understandable concerns of the near neighbours in Wilson’s Park, about overshadowing and the proposed location of the nursery entrance, were fully addressed by changes in the amended and approved plans. I have been assured by senior Council officers that the approval on 12 October is in time to give a fair chance for the new building to be completed by the new term in August 2013, although the timetable is now very tight. The residents remain concerned about parking and access for emergency vehicles and bin lorries. But this is a problematic situation as it stands now, and I have asked transport officers to address this particular issue separately.

Any ‘Blue Badge’ Applications?
I have had two worrying complaints now from people who have been waiting an inordinate amount of time to get a blue badge application processed since the retirement of a doctor who did the medical assessment of applications. I took the second complaint up as an official complaint to the Chief Executive and the application was processed within days, but I remain concerned that other equally distressed people may be waiting out there, for a fairly vital service, without complaining. If you know anyone in that position, please do get in touch and I will continue to follow this through. I am told that some applications have been outstanding since July.

Portobello – A Evening With Richard Demarco
Portobello Heritage Trust have arranged a talk by Richard Demarco in Portobello, the town where he where he was raised. Demarco has often said that his career was shaped by his upbringing and experiences in Portobello, so the title of his talk is My Portobello Heritage. However, the organisers say you should be prepared for some diverting digressions that will take the audience further a-field. Admission is free but there will be an opportunity to leave a donation. It’s on Wednesday November 9 in St Mark’s Church, off Portobello High Street (nearly opposite the top of Bellfeld Street) at 7.30pm.

Bellfield Lane One-Way
After a very long hiatus, the traffic regulation order to make Bellfield Lane one way south to north is underway. The Council’s contractor is now aiming to have the signs and poles installed week of 14 November 2011. The ducting and cable installation works will follow on shortly after that – all weather permitting. The works should be completed by the end of November at the latest.

Portobello Town Hall Leaking Pipes
The Chair of Portobello Amenity Society alerted me that that Portobello Town Hall was clearly being damaged by leaking pipes. I was assured in July that would be fixed within the week after we reported it, but we discovered that is not the case at all and I was not best pleased! I’ll be looking out for the works to happen as I make my way to and fro, past the building, in the next couple of weeks.

Portobello Book Festival
I managed to get to four events at the third Portobello Book Festival in October. One was about Art in the Community – The Prestonpans Tapestry, which really was inspiring, celebrating the skills and artistic talent of women – and one or two men - among the 200 people who took part in stitching the 72 panels that make up the whole. This endeavour is truly inspirational, as a community arts and development project, and it would be well worth finding out more about it to see what it could spark off here.

Brighton Place Resurfacing
Portobello Amenity Society have been talking about the need for this important north-south gateway to Portobello to be repaired or upgraded and a number of individual constituents have asked me when this is to be done. I have found out that Brighton Place carriageway is in the Council’s Capital Programme (i.e. the major projects budget) but the work is scheduled not to take place until 2014/15. The most recent assessment of the road was done in April this year. There would be scope for the community to petition that this is done sooner and also to come to a view about what the surface should be like and this is what Portobello Community Council has undertaken to do. The cobbled surface is a feature of the Portobello Conservation area, and rumbling over the traditional and historic setts may slow traffic. However it is not currently a comfortable ride for any road user, nor for the people living on Brighton Place.

Venchie Hallowe’en Party
I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s community Hallowe’en Party at the Venchie in Niddrie Mains Terrace. The children and families kept coming for an evening of great fun with Beltane drummers, games, storytelling and music – and of course fireworks and a fire sculpture thanks to Craigmillar Community Arts. I even got to thread a few sticky doughnuts and help judge a fancy dress competition. Luckily there were three of us to decide on the winner among the ghouls, ghosties and aliens, because it was a close-run thing. I hope Bonfire Night is just as much fun – with nobody hurt. The fire and rescue service, police, community safety team are working with partners to ensure that all goes smoothly.

I have also attached a questionnaire from the local police for you to fill out, as and when you feel the need. It helps set, and re-set, the priorities for policing your neighbourhood. You could print this, fill it in and post it to The Safer Neighbourhood Team,Craigmillar Police Station,161 Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh EH16 4UY. Or simply email your answers to the questions to ADivSNTCraigmillarPortobello@lbp.pnn.police.uk

SNT.questionnaire.pdf

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Best wishes
Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |

http://www.porty.org.uk
http://www.craigmillarcc.btck.co.uk
http://www.portobellocc.org
p.s. My face-to-face Councillor Advice Sessions, or 'Surgeries', are usually every Monday at 5.30 pm in Castleview Community Centre, 76 Craigmillar Castle Avenue (Phone 661 4064) and then at 7 pm in Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue (Phone 529 5558) . Please phone me on 529 3268, or email, to check availability or to make an appointment for another time and place.

[administrator]

Dear All

A reminder that the regular 'first of the month' Portobello Organic Market is taking place tomorrow morning in Brighton Park. More details at http://pedal-porty.org.uk/food/portobel ... ic-market/

Two planning applications for Newcraighall (References: 10/03449/PPP an 10/03506/PPP) are due to come to Development Management Sub Committee at two separate Hearings on Wednesday 23 November. The report detailing the planning officers' assessment and recommendations will be available 6 days before then on the the Council's website www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol

Whatever the decisions made there, two planning consultations are kicking off which will shape the development of our city and have implications for decisions made on future land use across Portobello and Craigmillar, in decades to come:

Strategic Development Plan

The Plan has been approved by all six SESplan Councils. The next stage is to place it on deposit for a six week period for any party to submit representations. This period will run from 7 November to 19 December. Any representations should be submitted to SESplan at: http://www.sesplan.gov.uk/index.html

Local Development Plan

The Main Issues Report was approved by the Planning Committee on 6 October. The next stage is to undertake a consultation exercise. This will last three months from 31 October to 31 January. Any comments should be sent to the Council using either the on-line or printed questionnaire. A short video and details of the consultation arrangements can be found at:
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/178/lo ... ment_plans

A Special Joint Meeting of the Portobello/Craigmillar and Craigentinny/Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnerships is booked for Wednesday 23 November 2011, at 6.30pm, in the Royal High Primary School. The advert for this says: "The Council is continuing to face tough financial challenges over the coming years, with significant savings needing to be made. The special meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss what actions the Council can take to maintain, develop and improve services in Edinburgh given this difficult financial situation, with the feedback helping to inform the setting of future service priorities within the Council. Senior Managers from across the Council will be in attendance."

The Neighbourhood Partnership Meetings are held in public with opportunities for people in the audience to ask questions and make their views known. I understand quite a few people are intending to attend to ask very serious questions about the Council's 'Alternative Business Models' . This is a proposal whereby refuse collection, parks, street cleaning and recycling might well be carried out by a private company instead of the Council itself, under a seven year contract. A final Council decision on this was postponed for a month on 27 October, by the current Council Administration Councillors, and the matter will come back to Council on 24 November - the day after this meeting. All six Local Councillors who sit on the two Neighbourhood Partnerships and are due to be at the Meeting.

Have a good weekend!

Maureen

[administrator]

Dear All

The City Council is considering privatising its services for refuse collection, street cleaning and parks maintenance. A final decision on this was postponed for one month on October 27. The Council is now holding a consultation meeting but you need to apply for a ticket.

On 24 November 2011, the Council meets to decide on arrangements for the future delivery of waste collection, recycling, street cleaning, grounds maintenance, vehicle fleet services.

See below from Council website at

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/816/co ... s_models/2

“Come and make your views known:
Date: Thursday 10 November 2011
Time: 7.30 - 9pm
Venue: City of Edinburgh Room, Lothian Chambers,
59-63 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1RN
This is a ticket only event.
You can apply for a ticket online or by calling 0131 469 5755 during office hours.
Applications close at 12 noon on Tuesday 8 November
We will allocate tickets on a first come first served basis by Neighbourhood Area. We will issue one ticket per application."

You have less than 24 hours to apply for a ticket - that is, if you want to have any chance of attending!
Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |

[administrator]

Dear All

Some coverage of Portobello and Paul Lambie's latest creative idea to promote Portobello. Click on
http://www.scotsman.com/news/porty_s_pa ... _1_1952369

I first met Paul two winters ago when he had the bright idea of using volunteer power to grit the local pavements, first of all with sand form the beach, then with the piles of grit that I got the Council to provide. We gritted all the pavements on north side of Portobello High Street from King's Road to Bellfield Street, and beyond, on a day of action involving more than thirty people.

Since then others - including the Council - have taken up Paul's idea that people will want to help their neighbours if (when?) we get the really severe weather again. The Council are offering potential volunteers some training, equipment and organisation. See the leaflet attached.

Be Prepared For Winter 2011.pdf

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I have also attached details of how the special joint 'Budget Consultation' meeting of the Portobello/Craigmillar and Craigentinny/Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnerships will operate. This meeting is on the 23 November in The Royal High Primary School, Northfield Broadway starting 6.30pm. We have been advised that local Councillors won't be allowed to speak at this meeting - so it's over to you!

324 - budget engagement.doc

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I have also notified you about the Main Issues Report which forms the main document for the consultation on the Edinburgh Local Development Plan. To find out what it says about South-East Edinburgh, including options for 1000 new houses, you are invited to a Council planning department consultation event. Drop in at the Faith Mission, Auditorium, 548 Gilmerton Road, on Tuesday 22 November any time between 5pm and 8pm. The event will include a short presentation on the Main Issue report at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. The information tables will be staffed by planning officers and you will be able to look at documents and ask questions. There will be a comments board to post your views and suggestions. Contact 0131 529 3794 if you need more information or view the Main Issues Report on line at http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/localdevelopmentplan

I hope you have a good weekend!

Best wishes

Maureen


Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |

[administrator]

Dear All

Here is a request for the final push to support PEDAL (Portobello Transition Town) and Greener Leith in their bid for Energyshare funding for a community-owned wind turbine at Seafield - deadline is 3 December.

I will be at an Older Person's Information Event tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday 23 November, 2pm to 4pm, at Northfield Community Centre. This will be a chance to discover the services available for older people locally - from public, private and voluntary sector providers - and a chance to network. There is free admission with complimentary team, coffee and biscuits. More information on http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/edinburgh or phone 0131 300 0599

Portobello High School Parent Council is having a Girls' Night Out 'Swish Evening' on Friday 25 November from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Portobello High School, Duddingston Road. Good music and good company. You can get a new (to you) outfit and make room in your wardrobe at the same time. Tickets are £3 (£1 to High school pupils) form the School Office or at the door. Spread the word - all welcome.

A few people have asked me about the closure of the road through Holyrood Park - what's happening and when will it be fixed. Historic Scotland said Scottish Power are working on a cable fault within Holyrood Park. SP anticipated that the low road within the park would be reopened by now, but they discovered another thing that needed fixed. The Low Road is expected to be open again by 22 November - today in fact.

Regards

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |

[administrator]

Dear All

Please find my latest report attached.

Councillor’s Report
November/December 2011

Maureen Child, Labour Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar

Newcraighall Developments in the Balance
The Council’s Development Management Committee this week voted to continue the two applications for planning permission in principle at Newcraighall East (10/03506/PPP) and Newcraighall North (10/03449/PPP), by the Dalrymple Trust and EDI (respectively). Committee agreed to seek a smaller number of houses in order to prevent the village being ‘swamped’.  Basically, this means the Councillors agreed there should be housing on these former Green Belt sites, but not as many as the site owners wanted. 

Representatives from the Newcraighall Residents Association, Craigmillar Community Council and from Gilberstoun, on behalf of Portobello Community Council, argued strongly against any development.

To my anger and dismay, I was effectively prevented from taking my proper place on the Committee. A threatening letter came in to the Committee Convener from the agents of the Dalrymple Trust, the night before the meeting, saying that I had campaigned against the developments and already stated my view in public and therefore should be ‘debarred’ from taking part.  I firmly believe that I did not do any such thing. I simply advised my constituents on the process, and quite legitimately.  To persist in taking part in the decision, I would have risked being reported to the Standards Commission and would have wasted time, energy and resources proving I did NOT take a public view beforehand.

I spoke alongside my other two Local Councillor colleagues in support of the views expressed by residents of Gilberstoun and Newcraighall.   But being 'bumped' from the Committee meant I was not able to ask any questions of Council officers and the deputations, nor enter into the debate. I was not able to move refusal of the applications, having heard the arguments for and against.  No Committee Councillor moved refusal, even although there were strong planning grounds to throw out both applications, as they are both contrary to the current Local Plan.  I have written a letter to the Dalrymple Trust’s agents asking what evidence they think they have to substantiate their claim that I had already made up mind and stated a view.

Environment ‘Alternative Business Model (ABM)’ aka ‘Privatisation’
At the full Council Meeting, a majority of the Councillors rejected the proposal to allow a private company to take over refuse collection, recycling, street cleaning and parks maintenance. The in-house staff will not now be transferred to the ‘preferred bidder’ company Enterprise. I welcomed the initiative of Portobello Community Council in writing to the Chief Executive of the Council, expressing their concern and opposition to this move, and challenged the local Councillors to scrutinise these proposals very carefully. The in-house staff will now work closely with management to ensure the standard of work is improved and I believe that they can do a better job, and make the savings required, now that the threat of privatisation has been taken away. A good decision, in my view!

‘Blue Badge’ Applications
As a consequence of feedback I from constituents, I am asking for a report to the Council’s transport committee. The Council should recognise that a ‘blue badge’ parking permit can greatly improve the quality of life for many of our citizens with mobility problems. There have been delays, I know, in issuing these badges over the last few moths and I want to ensure they can be issued fairly, efficiently and reasonably quickly. At present they seem to be taking an inordinate amount of time to process with people having to wait months rather than a couple of weeks.

Brunstane Road Parking
I am delighted to report that after three whole years, the double yellow lines are down and in force at Brunstane Drive right next to the Jewel and Esk College. This is the street that had most impact form the new College extension, turning a quiet street into an unofficial term time car park, even when there were spaces in the College’s own car park. We still await a report and consultation on a controlled parking zone across a wider area, but I argued strongly – and kept on nagging - that this part of the ‘zone’ should not wait for that to happen. As one resident said: “The difference is already amazing and we can actually get in and out our driveways now.” I only wish these things didn’t take so long!

Local Neighbourhood Plan
The local Neighbourhood Partnership for Portobello and Craigmillar has published its Community Plan, which is guiding its priorities and way of working form 2011 to 2014. It outlines progress and challenges around key areas identified in local surveys: in supporting families, children and young people, a safer community, a better environment, improving health, housing and regeneration, employment and transport. To get a hard copy, contact Mary Dunbar, partnership and information manager, on 0131 529 4415 or email pc.np@edinburgh/gov.uk or find out more by looking at the websites http://www.edinburghnp.org.uk

Hovercraft Application Continued for a Site Visit
The applcation by Stagecoach Group ( 09/03359/FUL) to build a slipway for a hovercraft operation with a pedestrian ramp, waiting room and 4 space car park, came up for consideration on Wednesday 23 November. It would have gone forward fro Grant without discussion, but I asked for the application to be presented to the Committee by a planning officer. The Committee were concerned about the noise impact on local residents, as were the environment health officers who had written asking for a one-year trial. The Committee also wondered about the parking impact and whether the shuttle bus idea would work and be of benefit to the community of Portobello. The majority agreed to visit the site before coming to a view. The application will come back to Committee on 7 December, following the site visit.

Seafield Roadworks
One or two people have asked me what is going on with the road works at Seafield? It is the formation of a cycleway to make this route to and from Leith safer for cyclists. The work was due to finish by 28 November 2011, but the private contractor doing the work – Tarmac – is running behind schedule and the works are now due to be completed by 7 December 2011.

Swish Evening at Portobello High School
I attended my fist ‘Swish’ Evening fundraiser and enjoyed a glass of wine and a cabaret – thanks to the singing policeman PC Scott Sands and an amazing young man called Blair, a former pupil whose dance routine left me worrying about the state of his neck vertebrae. It was…..quite amazing, and not something I intend to try at home! For the uninitiated, a ‘Swish’ is where you empty your wardrobe of those clothes you never wear and acquire someone else’s wardrobe rejects. Fun!

As you know, many public services will be affected by industrial action tomorrow. The Council is co-ordinating information on how services will be affected on the day. Information is published on the Council’s website: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/industrialaction

Notice of this Saturdays' Portobello Organic Market from PEDAL - Transition Town.

"This Saturday, 3rd December, is Portobello Market day! In addition to our regular stalls selling mouth-watering locally-produced and seasonal food, and local and upcycled crafts, this month we'll have:

- Porty tapas traders Malvarosa selling hot and cold Spanish specialties

- The choirs of St Martin's and Portobello Baptist Churches singing Christmas carols to get your festive spirits up, and

- We’ll be offering a Christmas Hamper (worth around £100) full of market goodies as top prize in our Christmas stall trail competition.

And at the PEDAL stall we’ll be launching our new energy saving advice booklet to help you keep cosy this winter while saving money and energy. Snap up your free copy while stocks last!

Where: Brighton Park, Brighton Place, Portobello

When: 9.30am  —  1.30pm

A full list of stallholders for 3rd December is available from PEDAL's market page."

Also a reminder that Portobello is in the running for a grant towards its energy project:

"Out of nearly 1000 projects across the UK signing up for the chance to win funds from Energyshare, Portobello & Leith Community Wind Energy Project is in the final list of 19 that might win. The project is being led by two local community groups: PEDAL (Portobello Transition Town) and Greener Leith. The idea is to have a wind turbine at Seafield Sewage Treatment Works that would:

Reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation by between 400 and 2000 tonnes each year;
* Generate income that can be used for local community projects in Portobello, Craignetinny and Leith;
* Make a visible statement that our community is playing it's part in tackling climate change and sustainable development.
* Please vote for us at: http://www.energyshare.com/voting"

Voting closes in a couple of days time - so if you, and everyone you know, wants to support this project, you/they need to do it now!

The latest programme of work to progress the Haymarket to St Andrew Square section of the Edinburgh Tram route. St Andrew Street and Shandwick Place will be closed to traffic on 7th and 14th January (respectively) with a series of diversions being put in place. The move will allow utility work to be completed ahead of the start of major infrastructure work in February 2012. On-street works in the Haymarket area and on Princes Street will continue in parallel, with the latter due for completion early summer 2012. Pedestrian access to all areas will be maintained, with crossing points created where necessary. Clear signage will be in place for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Road closure details are as follows:

St. Andrew Street: Work begins on Saturday 7th January. The East side of Saint Andrew Square (including North and South St. Andrew Street) will be closed to vehicles with all traffic switched to the West side. The work site will extend down on to Princes Street and to the right as far as Waverley Bridge. There will still be access to shops and premises while additional support will be put in place for business deliveries. Work is due to be completed by the end of 2012.*

Shandwick Place: Work begins on Saturday 14th January with Shandwick Place closed to all traffic between Atholl Crescent and Lothian Road. Traffic will be diverted to either Melville Street for east bound traffic or the West Approach Road for west bound traffic. There will still be access to shops and premises while additional support will be put in place for business deliveries. Work is due to be completed by Spring 2013.

For maps of the affected areas see http://collateral.vuelio.co.uk/RemoteSt ... 20Maps.ppt

Best wishes

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |