MSCC minutes March 2008

1 Sederunt and Apologies
Susie Agnew noted apologies and welcomed attendees to the meeting.

2 Minutes of meeting held 20th February 2008
The minutes were accepted as a true record. (Proposed: Sarah Sandow; Seconded: Alastair Philp.)

3 Matters Arising
3.1 Lunch Club
Susie Agnew reported that no progress has been made on this since the February meeting as they are awaiting the results of the next Marchmont St Giles Church session meeting.
3.2 Cycle Racks
Susie Agnew reported that she has discussed this matter with Cherry Ledlie and the cycle racks are still not in a suitable place from the point of view of parents. She has therefore written another letter to Jim Grieve on this issue.
3.3 Grange Cemetery
Susie Agnew reported that the Scottish Geneology Society may be able to help the MSCC by sharing the information it has already transcribed from the headstones at Grange Cemetery. However, this information is all currently hand-written.
3.4 Meadow Place
Cllr Mark McInnes reported that he had proposed a motion to the Transport Committee that there should be a full report into traffic safety in Marchmont, taking into account Meadows Place, Marchmont Road and Melville Drive all together. This motion was passed and no further action will be taken to close Meadows Place until this report has been received. It is expected that this report will be published early in the summer, and Cllr McInnes advised that this is when the MSCC should consider making a deputation if necessary.

Some general discussion followed, and the group reiterated its disbelief at the conclusions drawn from the Council’s modelling of the traffic at these junctions. Two members of the group voiced their intention to spend some time counting traffic at the junction.
ACTION: The group will await this report with interest.

3.5 Buses
Susie Agnew reported that she has written a letter on behalf of the MSCC to Morningside and Merchiston Community Council’s to support them with their request for a bus which turns left at the bottom of Lothian Road. Other community councils have done the same. A meeting is being planned in St George’s Church West on Shandwick Place to discuss this, but no date has yet been arranged.

General discussion followed and it was suggested that the MSCC should pursue the issue of an improved no.24 bus service, possibly suggesting that some extra part-route buses are put on during peak times to cover the most popular sections of the route. It was agreed that there might be an opportunity to bring this up at the meeting in St George’s Church West.
ACTION When a date has been set for this meeting, volunteers to attend will be sought by e-mail.

4 Police Report
PC Lindsey Thomson provided an updated police report. Crime statistics during the month of February have been low in Marchmont, Sciennes and the Grange:
- 11 motor vehicles were vandalised, two were broken in to, and three vehicles were stolen. 12 bicycles were also stolen.
- Following discussions at the February meeting PC Thomson has made inquiries to the Council about the official position regarding the storage of bicycles in common stairs. Although the Council has produced a leaflet advising people not to store bikes in stairwells, they have no legal powers to remove or prohibit bike storage unless bicycles are obstructing fire exits. Each complaint about bikes in stairwells would therefore be judged on an individual basis.
- There have been six house-breakings, including the German speaking church. A hairdresser’s in Roseneath Street was broken in to and those responsible have been found, and are also responsible for eight previous similar crimes.
- The fish-sellers mentioned at a previous meeting have been tracked down and charged for operating without a street-traders licence.
- There have been two separate incidents occurring on the Meadows in the early hours of the morning in which victims were walking alone and had their bags/wallets stolen.

Brief general discussion followed, and PC Thomson took down details of new graffiti that had been spotted in the area and of hand-made signs that have been made warning of car-breakings in certain streets.

5 Seminar to discuss Scottish Planning Policy SPP3: Planning for Housing
Susanna Lacey will be attending this seminar on behalf of the MSCC, and gave the group the opportunity to notify her of anything relevant that they’d specifically like her to raise. There was some discussion of affordable housing, but no conclusions were drawn that were felt to be of particular relevance to this meeting. There was also discussion Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) quotas, but it was felt that these issues were unlikely to be relevant to this meeting, and in any case there was no consensus among group members on this issue. However, it would seem that there will be a meeting of Community Councils and City of Edinburgh Council to discuss the issue of HMO quotas in the future. There was also some discussion of the plans for the development of flats and townhouses on the corner of Whitehouse Loan and Newbattle Terrace. Cllr McInnes reported that the local residents had not objected to the plans although some MSCC members had concerns that they were not in keeping with their surroundings. Cherry Ledlie wondered whether this development may offer an opportunity of adding some kind of a safer crossing nearby.
ACTION
If it seems relevant to the seminar, Susanna Lacey will raise the following points on behalf of the MSCC:
- Newly builded properties should plan in space for drying clothes
- Planning regulations should be made more amenable to saving energy
- How do some designs get approved when they re not in-keeping with surroundings?

Mark McInnes will write to City Development to see if some kind of safer crossing at Whitehouse Loan/Newbattle Terrace might be on the cards in the future.

6 Neighbourhood Partnership Report
Alastair Philp gave a report on the most recent Neighbourhood Partnership (NP) meeting:
- Updates were provided by the Tollcross short-life working group, and the Meadows short-life working group on which John Simon is the MSCC representative. The Meadows group has discussed what events should be allowed on the Meadows and what the consultation process should be. There has been a request for more monitoring of events and more community engagement.
- The Local Community Plan will be presented to the NP at some point in the future as it is not yet ready.
- Robert Aitken of NHS Lothian gave a presentation which included mention of the re-development of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. It has not yet been decided what is happening with this re-development and whether or not some services may move.
- There is one CCTV camera in this NP area and currently no prospect of more.
- There was a presentation from Special Branch on terrorist activity. People were told not to worry about this, but to remain aware and notify the police of any suspicious activity.
- A report was tabled about voter registration.
- Information was provided about the Community Grants fund, which the MSCC is already aware of.
- There are new proposals for all-day parking in the Merchiston area, and a further meeting will be set up in the future to discuss this.
- Alastair has spoken to Susan Bruce about the MSCC accessing its grant and she will look into this.
- The next meeting of the NP will take place on 12 May 2008.

ACTION
Mark McInnes will find out what is happening regarding the tweaks to parking regulations that were discussed at an October meeting of Council which Susie Agnew and Hugh Leather attended as a deputation.

7 Future meeting dates
Susie Agnew has e-mailed other local community councils in an attempt to avoid clashes with their future meeting dates. The Grange Association will aim to avoid the second Wednesday of the month, and Morningside & Merchiston Community Council generally meet on the third Wednesday of the month. It was agreed that the MSCC will therefore continue to meet on the second Wednesday of the month. There was brief discussion of whether the frequency of MSCC meetings is appropriate to the amount of business to be discussed.
ACTION The MSCC will continue to meet monthly except there will be no meetings in July, August or December. Whether or not a meeting takes place in January will depend on half-term dates.

8 Any other business
· A “Talk to your MSP” meeting will take place n Saturday 15th March at the City Chambers from 10am-1pm
· A “How Planners Make Decisions” meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th March at 7pm in Polwarth Parish Church.
· The MSCC has been asked to nominate someone from the city, or a long-term resident, for the “Edinburgh Award”.
· Other relevant notices and information were mentioned and will go on the MSCC blog: http://marchmontandsciennes.blogspot.com

9 Date of next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 April 2008, beginning at 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Argyle Community Hall, Grange Road, Edinburgh.

Planning Modernisation Letter (1)

Planning Modernisation Letter (2)

Planning Modernisation Letter (3)

Planning Modernisation Letter(4)

Planning Modernisation Letter(5)

Planning Modernisation-Consultations and Electronic Publication Strategy

A range of consultation papers on changes to the main elements of the planning system have recently been published. The closing dates for comments are as follows and your views would be welcome.

Draft regulations on the Planning Hierarchy 21 March 2008
Draft regulations on Development Planning 2 April 2008
Draft regulations on Development Plan Examinations 4 April 2008
Development Management 4 April 2008
Modernising Planning Appeals 9 May 2008

These consultation papers are available at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Planning/Modernising

A summary of development management regulations can be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/07154600/1

Agenda 12th March 2008

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held
On WEDNESDAY 12 March 2008 at 7.30pm in
St Catherine’s Argyle Church Community Hall, Grange Road
All who live or work or are active in the area are welcome.
Hearing loop available.

1.Sederunt and Apologies.
2.Minutes of Meeting held 20th February 2008.
3.Matters Arising.
4. Police Report.
5. HMO Seminar.
6. Neighbourhood Partnership Report.
7. Future Meeting Dates.
8. AOCB.
9. Next Meeting 9 April 2008.

EACC meeting with Councillors from the Green Party

The Edinburgh Association of Community Councillors is organising meetings with representatives from all the party groups and the next in the series is with Councillors from the Green Party on Saturday 8 March at 10 am in the City Chambers.

For more information about the EACC visit their blog at www.edinburghccs.blogspot.com or visit the website at www.eacc.btik.com.

Edinburgh City Council Annual Report

Summary of Main Points

Caring for our most vulnerable
An additional £5.8million per year for vulnerable children
£6.2million per year for care of older people.
Maximising opportunities and learning for our children
£33million to rebuild or refurbish all five schools in the ‘Wave 3’ scheme, with £16million of that allocated over the next three years.
A safe, green, clean and attractive city
An additional £240,000 for street cleaning
£6million for improved waste reduction, reuse and recycling
£45million over three years in flood prevention schemes.
Promoting economic growth
£350,000 for the promotion of Edinburgh.
Continued funding for the Edinburgh/Glasgow collaboration project of over £100,000 in 2008/09.
Capitalising on our festivals and culture and tourism
£542,000 for the Edinburgh International Festival and £800,000 for Winter Festivals.
£6m for refurbishment of the Kings Theatre
£115,000 to allow open museums on Sundays
Promoting Sport and Leisure
£21 million for the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Meadowbank Stadium;
£5 million for refurbishment of Glenogle Baths;
5 million investment in parks, pitches and pavilions;
£3.5million for a new library at Drumbrae
Modern, effective transport arrangements
£60m over three years in roads for roads and pavements
£2.9million over three years for cycling, walking and safer streets
Affordable housing
£3.6million over three years in housing regeneration.
£36million of housing development funding to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Councillor Jenny DaweLeader – The City of Edinburgh Council

Recycling

As part of The City of Edinburgh Councils (CEC) continuing aim to ensure that recycling is easily accessible to residents, the CEC are now offering residents who use the multi material kerbside box recycling service the facility where they can pick up replacement rain caps for their kerbside boxes, blue bags for paper recycling and salvation army bags for clothes recycling from their local library.

I would appreciate if you could forward this information on to as many parties as possible to promote the service.

If you require any further information please contact CEC on 0131 529 3030.
Campbell Clark
Recycling Advisory Officer

Environmental Fora

Environmental Forum 1 Meeting

Monday 17th March, at 7pm in the Eltham Suite, Eric Liddell Centre

The South Central Neighbourhood Partnership recognises the good work of the forums and is very keen to build on past successes and importantly, retain participation to ensure local people are able to help monitor and influence local service delivery.


Minutes of previous meetings

ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM 1
Multi Member Ward: 10 Meadows/Morningside
Minute of Meeting: 28 January 2008
Present:
Community Representatives
John Simon Marchmont/Sciennes Community Council
Brian Harris Local Resident & Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links
David Rintoul Tollcross Community Council
Ian Clement Local Resident
John Lowe Local Resident
Bridget Stevens Merchiston Community Council
Jean Thompson Morningside community Council
Goff Cantley Friends of Hermitage and Blackford Hill
Councillors
Alison Johnstone
David Doig Services for Communities
Apologies
Ann Wigglesworth Tollcross Community Council
Frances Hawarden Merchiston Community Council
Donald Burgess Services for Communities

1.
Welcome & Introductions
David opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and wishing them a belated Happy New Year.
A welcome was also given to Goff Cantley who was attending for the first time.
2.
Apologies
As above
3.
Previous Minutes
Minutes Agreed
Matters Arising
The local Community action plans were distributed.
Item 3(4) BH stated that bin creeping still happening
Item 3(7) BH asked for update on Bin stickers
Item 7 BH asked if Waste Aware Officer was attending, DD stated that he hoped to have them present at next meeting.
JT informed meeting she has arranged to meet council officer about glass recycling bin in Morningside.
BS asked that we re-enforce issue relating to glass
BS indicated that recycling area at Napier University is now open 52 weeks a year.
DD informed group that he was still awaiting specification for speed humps.
JL forwarded list of outstanding Clarence issues relating to Street Lighting.
JL highlighted issue of gully cleaning staff not uplifting material after the empty gully.
JL indicated problem with ponding on corner of Morningside Road at Holy Corner.
4.
Neighbourhood Partnership Update
DD informed the meeting that at the previous meeting on 14 January it was agreed that an officer sub-group would be reviewing the partnership sub-group structure, which includes the 2 environmental forums and the Meadows and Tollcross working groups. It is intended that the group would report to a business meeting of the Partnership how the sub-groups would contribute to the development of the local community plan. The next meeting of the partnership is Monday, 10 March 2008.
5.
Performance Information
DD informed the meeting that the recent CIMS scores for the area were pleasing. The ward 10 score was 68 which, was the same as the City score.
DD highlighted that it was still the intention to bring more information of this nature to the meeting in the future.
6.
Election of Chair
Councillor Alison Johnstone was elected as Chairperson
7.
Any Other Competent Business
DR asked if the air quality levels could be taken, there are report sampling stations within Tollcross.
IC raised the issue about width specifications of Yellow Lines.
?? raised the issue of the camber of the road and the skid resistance surfacing.
JL raised issue about inspection plate covering the drain at Le Mouton Moi.
BS asked if anything could be done about air pollution coming canal barges.
GC asked if yellow bicycle frame could be removed from Hermitage Terrace fence line.
8
Dates of Next Meeting
Next meeting is due for 24th March but this is Easter Monday, so it was agreed that Monday 17th March would be the substitute date at the Eric Liddle Centre.
The full schedule of meetings was agreed for 2008.
26th May
28th July
22nd September
24th November

SfC Contacts:
David Doig Local Environmental Manager
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 529 5187
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
Donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 52 95396



ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM 2
Multi-Member Ward: 15 South Side Newington
Minute of Meeting: 23 January 2008
Present: Community Representatives:
Elspeth Zank Local resident
Brian Charlesworth West Blacket Association
Douglas Dalgleish Savile Area Residents Association
Hilary McDowell South Newington Residents Association
Ian Carter Blacket Association
Bert Arnott Grange Prestonfield Community Council
Kate Arnott Grange Prestonfield Community Council
Andrew Bell Grange Association
Jo Scott South Side Community Council
Colin Christison South Side Community Council
Councillor Cameron Rose
CEC: Services for Communities (SfC):
Susan Bruce Neighbourhood Manager
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
Apologies: Maureen Edwards Lady Road Allotments
PC Hopper L & B Police
David Doig Neighbourhood Environment Manager
Item
Detail
Action
1.
Welcome & Introductions
Susan welcomed everyone to the meeting and made introductions.

2.
Apologies
As above

3.
Previous Minutes and Matters Arising
Minutes agreed.
Action points from previous meeting – in light of David Doig’s absence it was agreed that these items would be updated and circulated with the minutes of the meeting. See attached Issues Log
Fly posting continues to be an issue – Susan Bruce suggested that Kathy Evans, Neighbourhood Community Safety Manager, attend a Forum meeting to brief the group on action being taken. Cllr Rose also noted that there is a city centre group looking specifically at the issue of fly posting.
The issue of potential street furniture clutter as a result of the implementation of the CPZ was raised and discussed. Cllr Rose to investigate and report back at the next meeting.
The issue of the perceived poor performance of CLARENCE was discussed. Susan Bruce advised that the processes in relation to roads, gullies and street lighting are currently being reviewed by consultants and that it would be appropriate to report back on this once the review has been completed.
4.
Election of Chair Person
Following some discussion it was agreed that Councillor Rose would ensure that a councilor would chair the next three meetings but that the group should consider a resident for the chair thereafter.
5
Neighbourhood Partnership Update
Susan Bruce advised that the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership met on 14th January. At this meeting it was agreed that an officer support group would be reviewing the Partnership sub-group structure (which includes the 2 environmental forums, the Meadows and Tollcross short life working groups and the TAC). This group would report to a business meeting of the partnership on how the sub-groups would contribute to the development of the local community plan. The next meeting of the partnership is on 10th March at 7pm in St Peters Church Hall, Lutton Place.
6
Performance Information
In light of David Doig’s absence it was agreed that these items would be updated and circulated with the minutes of the meeting.
The issue of the Waste Management Review was discussed and Susan Bruce suggested that it would be appropriate for this to be reported to the group upon completion.
7.
AOB
Incorporated into the Issues Log
10.
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 26th March 2008 The Society Room, Nicolson Square Church, 25 Nicolson Square
SfC Contacts:
David Doig Local Environmental Manager
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 529 5187
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 52 95396

Association of Scottish Community Councils

ASCC is hosting a Regional Meeting for all Community Councillors in your region.

Saturday 15th March 2008

The City Chambers, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh

10am Arrive and Settle In
10.30 Meet representatives of the Executive Council of ASCC
Discuss its work and what it should do for you.

11.00 Open Forum- What can the ASCC do to strengthen Community Councils
The Scottish Executive review of Community Councils
Your issues and concerns
11.30 Scottish Govt. Proposals for Increased Public Involvement and
elections to local Health Boards
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/01/08123610

12.20 Lunch

1pm Question Time An all party panel of Lothians MSP's answer YOUR questions

NPF2

The second National Planning Framework (NPF2)provides an important vehicle for the national debate about the sort of place we want Scotland to be. It will guide Scotland's spatial development to 2030, setting out strategic development priorities to support The Scottish Government's central purpose - promoting sustainable economic growth.
National Planning Framework Roadshow
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/07093039/0

Edinburgh - Victoria Quay 07 March 2008
This event is now fully subscribed

The objectives of the discussion events are as follows:
To seek to build consensus on the NPF2 strategy; 2. To seek views on the proposed national developments; 3. To identify ways in which the draft can be strengthened; 4. To seek views on the content of the Action Programme; and 5. To seek views on the content of the Strategic Environmental Report.

Customer Service Strategy

Environmental Fora

• Environment Forum 1 - Ward 10
Members
• Councillors
• Community Councils
• open to the public
Meets every6-8 weeks
Reports to Neighbourhood Partnership Board
SfC Contact
David Doig
South Environment Manager
529 5187
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk


• Environment Forum 2 - Ward 15
Members
• Councillors
• Community Councils
• open to the public
Meets last Wed of every second month
(starting Jan '08)
Reports to Neighbourhood Partnership Board
SfC contact

David Doig
South Environment Manager
529 5187
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk


• Environment Forum 3 - Ward 16 Friends of Parks
Friends of Parks are groups of volunteers who play a vital role in enhancing and protecting local parks, woodlands and green spaces across Edinburgh. Working with the Council’s Parks Service, the groups give residents a greater say in what goes on in their park.
The groups volunteer their time and energy to get involved with a range of projects including;
Fundraising for improvements and events in the park
Enhancing biodiversity (e.g. creation of wildflower meadows, installing bird boxes)
Practical tasks like clean-ups and tree planting
Improving access
Contributing to the management of the park
Leading walks and talks
Producing leaflets and other educational material
List of Friends of Parks groups
Friends of Blinkbonny Park
Friends of Ferry Glen
Friends of Braid Burn Valley Park
Friends of Gardeners Crescent
Friends of Cammo
Friends of George V Park & Scotland Yard Association
Friends of Colinton Mains Park
Friends of the Gyle Park
Friends of Corstorphine Hill
Friends of Harrison Park
Friends of Craiglockhart Nature Trail
Friends of Hermitage and Blackford Hill
Friends of Craiglockhart Woods Group
Friends of Hillside and Calton Area
Friends of Dalmeny Street Park
Friends of Inverleith Park
Friends of Fairmilehead Park
Friends of the Meadows
Friends of Hopetoun Crescent Gardens
Friends of Meadows Yard
Friends of Ravelston Park & Woods
Friends of Muirwood Park
Other groups
Beautiful South Queensferry
Prestonfield in Bloom
Greener Leith
Greenferry
Queensferry Environmental Forum
Redbraes Residents Association
Hailesland Flats Gardening Club

MSCC minutes, 20 February 2008

1 Sederunt and Apologies
Susie Agnew noted apologies and welcomed attendees to the meeting. In particular she welcomed Susanna Lacey to her first meeting as MSCC secretary, and members of SPOKES who had made a special effort to attend this meeting for the Meadow Place presentation.

2 Minutes of Meeting held 9 January 2008
The minutes were accepted as a true record. (Proposed: Sarah Sandow; Seconded: Mr Malik.)

3 Matters Arising
3.1 Lunch Club
Susie Agnew reported that a preliminary meeting has been held between herself, Mr Malik, Rev Karen Watson and the Sessions Clerk at Marchmont St Giles to discuss the possibility of holding a weekly multicultural lunch club at Marchmont St Giles. The venue is in high demand, so it looks like the club will have a ‘late’ lunch, and the need for menus to cater to both European and Asian tastes was discussed. Someone will be required to run the lunch club, and this will be a paid position of roughly 6 hours per week. The MSCC will be kept updated of progress on this issue.

3.2 Cycle Racks
Susie reported that she had received a letter from Jim Grieve at Edinburgh City Council explaining that the current cycle racks outside James Gillespies are a temporary measure, and that the long-term plan is to provide a separate cycle entrance adjacent to the existing entrance which will lead directly to cycle parking areas within the school grounds.

Cherie Ledlie explained that there are still some concerns amongst parents and teachers, and they would like assurances that teachers will be able to use the racks inside the school grounds. There is also some confusion as to why new gates are required.
ACTION: Susie Agnew will discuss with Cherie Ledlie and Ken Dougall and agree how to pursue this issue further.

3.3 3Ms Youth Partnership
Susie Agnew reported that the 3Ms Youth Partnership has secured a further year of funding to enable Lucy Howie to continue to work with vulnerable young people in the local area. 50% of this funding was provided by the Community Safety Department and 50% from the Children and Families department at Edinburgh City Council. However, during the year the Children and Families Department will explore means for longer term funding.

3.4 Grange Cemetery
Susie Agnew has found out that the Scottish Geneology Society have been gradually working to transcribe the writing from the headstones in the Grange Cemetery. Susie has passed on to them a list of all the headstones that have recently been laid flat, and it may be that they can provide information which will save the MSCC time in its project to get support for reinstating some of these grave stones.

3.5 Secretary
The meeting formally expressed its sincere appreciation for all the work Hugh Leather did during his time as secretary, especially all the time and effort he spent in setting up and sustaining the MSCC blog and other e-communications.

3.6 Neigbourhood Partnership Board
Alastair Philp reported that the Neighbourhood Partnership Board has formally approved the MSCC’s grant application for £1985. He also updated the group that he has received a letter explaining why the South Edinburgh Community Health Partnership Forum was suspended and that a process is underway to ensure the group starts again as soon as possible. Anyone wishing to see this letter should contact Alastair Philp: alastair@mvbio.co.uk

4 Police Report
PC Lindsey Thomson provided an up-to-date police report:
- Housebreaking figures have remained similar over the last four months, with six incidents in January, four of which have been solved. During January the police also distributed leaflets and offered crime prevention advice to residents.
- PC Thomson notified the group of some incidents in Polwarth where men in a white transit van had been using high pressure sales techniques to sell high quantities of low quality fish to residents.
- Cycle theft has fallen in the local area with only 3 incidents in the last month. However, cycle theft has risen in the university area and plain clothes officers have been making efforts to catch those responsible.
- A robbery took place in Threshers on Melville Terrace at 5pm on the 15th February. A well-built man in his late 20s/early 30s, using a kitchen knife as a weapon, stole £260 from the till. Anyone with any information should inform the police.
- Some more incidents of graffiti have taken place, including on the university library, the German church and the Astley Ainsley. The police have caught two graffiti taggers.
- In the last month, three cars have been broken into and four cars vandalised.
- There was a breach of the peace on Strathearn Road in early January.
- The police have been making efforts to monitor crowds of youths congregating on the Meadows. PC Thomson also asked the group to notify her of any known youth ‘hotspots’, and the suggestions of Moncrieff Terrace, the back gate to the Usher Institute and Marchmont Crescent were made.
- The police have been working to engage with local business, finding out about their experience of local crime and advising them on improving the security of their premises.
- There has been a recent spate of break-ins to hairdressers in the Southside area.

An opportunity for group discussion followed:
- There was some discussion of the Council policy on bikes being kept in stairwells and whether the police could work with the Council to reduce the number of bicycles being kept in stairwells. PC Thomson will give this some consideration.
- Marilyne Maclaren suggested that there has been a recent trend of people using scaffolding to spray graffiti on usually inaccessible areas of tenement blocks. The Council won’t remove graffitti from private property, and individuals can’t use existing scaffolding to remove graffiti themselves. This results in graffiti being left in tact on a long-term basis.

Anyone who wants to contact PC Thomson should e-mail: lindsey.thomson@lbp.pnn.police.uk

5 Meadow Place
Susie Agnew explained that the MSCC had previously written a letter objecting to the closure of Meadow Place on the basis that it was unwise to close this road without giving due consideration to the implications this would have for the junction as a whole (Marchmont Road, Melville Drive and Meadows Place) and other related safety issues in this area. The MSCC had previously requested accident statistics from the Council which it felt backed up these concerns, and suggested that the Council should add traffic lights to the Marchmont Road junction to improve safety.

Brian Butler, Interim Transport Services Manager at Edinburgh City Council gave a presentation on the planned closure of Meadows Place, frequently interrupted by questions and concerns from the group. Brian Butler explained that the City of Edinburgh Council local transport strategy for 2007 included as a priority the need to increase cycling in the city. The proposed closure of Meadows Place was intended to complete an unbroken, safe and easy cycle route from Bruntsfield Place to Forrest Road. The MSCC’s objection was the only one that had been raised to this proposal.

Brian Butler explained that a number of accidents had occurred at the Meadows Place junction, and the proposed closure was seen as a straightforward way of making it safer. He explained that although more accidents overall had occurred at the Marchmont Road junction than the Meadows Place Junction, over the last 10 years, three interventions have been made at the Marchmont Road junction which have brought the number of accidents down and changed the type of accident occurring. When making decisions about spending money on improvements, the Council takes into account the cost of the improvement and the benefit expected as a result. Therefore, the perceived reduction in accidents at this junction, combined with the expense of adding traffic lights, means that it would be against the Council’s current policies to signalise this junction.

In addition, he explained that the Council has used modelling tools to predict the effect of the proposed closure on traffic flow in the area, and come to the conclusion that the closure wouldn’t have a significant negative effect on traffic. In short, they have concluded that though closing Meadows Place won’t improve safety at the Marchmont Road junction, it won’t make it worse, and the primary aim of this proposal is to create a safe cycle route from Bruntsfield to Forrest Road.

Heated discussion took place during and after the presentation, and many concerns were raised, including the following:
- Graphs showing the number of accidents at both junctions in the last 10 year were displayed during the presentation. Several strong concerns were raised about the relevance of these figures to the issue in question, and their usefulness in backing up the points being made by the Council representatives.
- The presentation included slides showing details of the accidents at the Meadows Place/Melville Drive junction. These were criticised as being unclear, and it was pointed out that no corresponding details were given for accidents at the Marchmont Road junction.
- No data was provided about pedestrian accidents.
- Only 10% of accidents in this area in the last 10 years have occurred at Meadow Place.
- Many people expressed their personal experiences of using these two junctions, as pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users. It was felt that personal experience conflicted with the outcomes of the Councl’s modelling.
- Currently it is difficult to turn right at the Marchmont Road junction, causing frustration and impatience in drivers. Closure of Meadows Place would increase the traffic through this junction, making the situation worse, and adding time on to the journey times of buses using this as part of their route. Thus, improving this cycle route might be at the detriment of public transport.
- Historically the Council has made changes in this area without public consultation. The local community feels that expensive mistakes have been made in the past, and urges the Council to listen so that more mistakes aren’t made in the future.

The general view of the meeting was that closing Meadows Place would force more traffic through the Marchmont Road junction. This junction is perceived as being more dangerous than the Meadows Place junction, so to force more traffic that way was unwise and would cause it to become even more dangerous. It was generally felt that adding traffic lights at this junction would make it much safer and able to cope with the additional traffic if Meadows Place were to be closed. The group felt that only if the Council were to improve safety at this junction could it withdraw its objection to the current proposals.

Given that it is extremely unlikely under the present circumstances that the Council will signalise this junction, the group urged the Council to consider innovative solutions to improving the safety at this junction, for example the addition of a box junction. A vote was taken, and the overwhelming majority voted not to withdraw the objection to the closure of Meadows Place.

ACTION
- Brian Butler will write a report for the Tramsport Committee on this issue which will take account of this discussion.
- Marilyne Maclaren advised that the MSCC take a deputation to the next Transport Committee meeting.
- Brian Butler will consider next steps, bearing in mind this discussion, and keep the MSCC updated on any progress.

6 Volunteers for Custody Visiting Scheme
Susanna Lacey informed the group that the police are currently looking for volunteers for this scheme whereby members of the public make spot checks to ensure that people being held in custody are being treated properly. Anyone interested in volunteering should phone 0131 529 4378, e-mail brian.pirie@edinburgh.gov.uk or see the website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lbpb

7 Business Parking Permits
Susie Agnew and Monica Higgins informed the group that the Council is now allowing 2 parking permits per business. These can be granted to unliveried vehicles as long as the business can prove they are for essential use, at a cost of £300 if in the extended zone, or £400 in the periphery.

8 Meadows Festival
Susanna Lacey updated the group that the Meadows Festival now has a Management Committee, a constitution and a bank account, and there are plans to hold the event on 7th-8th June this year. The group has many plans for the event and has already worked through much bureaucracy to get this far. They are now looking for many more volunteers to help with various aspects of the event, and in particular require one more volunteer from the MSCC to stand on the committee. This person would need to apply (free of charge) for an enhanced disclosure from Disclosure Scotland.
ACTION: Anyone interested in helping out should contact Susanna Lacey: slacey1@aol.com

9 West End Bus Services
The group agreed to support Morningside and Merchiston Community Council in their lobbying of Lothian Regional Transport to put on a bus that turns left at the bottom of Lothian Road.
ACTION: Susie Agnew will write a letter.

10 Any Other Business
10.1 Environmental Forums
Information about environmental forums for wards 15 and 10 are on the blog: http://marchmontandsciennes.blogspot.com
10.2 National Planning Framework Consultation
The Scottish Government is currently running a consultation on the National Planning Framework, which looks at the spatial development of Scotland up to 2030. An open day is being held in Victoria Quay on the 7th March. More information is available on the MSCC blog (http://marchmontandsciennes.blogspot.com/) or by e-mailing Susanna Lacey: slacey1@aol.com
10.3 Edinburgh City Council Leader Annual Report
This is available on the MSCC blog: http://marchmontandsciennes.blogspot.com
10.4 1 Meadows Place
Some residents had noticed that development work has resulted in the grass in front of 1 Meadows Place being ruined. The GP responsible for this development work is very apologetic and this area will be re-turfed once this work is finished.
10.5 Meadows Notice Board
Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Place have secured two notice boards for the Meadows, and are happy for Tollcross, Southside and Marchmont & Sciennes Community Councils to make use of these. The group expressed its appreciation.
10.6 Work on Thirlestane Road
There was brief discussion of why yet more work is taking place on Thirlestane Road, and it was explained that the first piece of work didn’t meet the required standards so it has had to be re-done.
10.7 Removal of car parking space
One car parking space is being removed in Spottiswood Street to make space for a refuse container.
10.8 Association of Community Councils
A meeting of the Association of Community Councils will take place in the City Chambers on 15th March. Further details are available on the blog: http://marchmontandsciennes.blogspot.com

11 Date of next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 12th March, beginning at 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Argyle Community Hall, Grange Road, Edinburgh.

NHS Lothian, At Your Service

The Annual Report of NHS Lothian is available at

http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/news/annualreports.asp

Edinburgh City Council useful contacts

The South Edinburgh Local Team responsible for your neighbourhood are:
Neighbourhood Manager: Susan Bruce 0131 529 7662
susan.bruce@edinburgh.gov.uk
Susan leads the South Neighbourhood Team, managing the development and delivery of a diverse range of services including Housing, Libraries, Community Safety and Environment Services. She is also responsible for the development of community involvement and planning in the South area through Neighbourhood Partnerships.

Local Housing & Regeneration Manager: Agnes Renton 0131 529 5192
agnes.renton@edinburgh.gov.uk
Agnes has responsibility for managing and developing Housing services in the South area. This includes Homelessness Services, Development and Regeneration and the management of Council tenancies.

Property Team
Senior Property Officer: Archie Enwood 0131 529 5103
archie.enwood@edinburgh.gov.uk Rents Team
Senior Housing Officer: Alan Stewart 0131 529 5144
alan.stewart@edinburgh.gov.uk
Choice Based Letting Team
Senior Housing Officer: Paul Swan 0131 529 5177
paul.swan@edinburgh.gov.uk

Local Partnership &
Information Manager: Evelyn Kilmurry 0131 529 5129
evelyn.kilmurry@edinburgh.gov.uk
Evelyn has responsibility for the management and support of community engagement and Neighbourhood Partnership activities in the South area. She also manages the local Library and Information Services and the customer service support for locally managed services.

Partnership Development Officer Donald Burgess 0131 529 5396
donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk
Senior Administration Officer: Alan Stewart 0131 529 5155
alan.stewart@edinburgh.gov.uk
Senior Library Officer Lynn Spells 0131 529 5663
lynn.spells@edinburgh.gov.uk



Local Environment Manager: David Doig 0131 529 5187
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk
David has responsibility for the management and development of Environment Services in the South area. This includes maintaining roads, parks and green spaces.

Community Parks Officer Mike Shields 0131 672 1589
mike.shields@edinburgh.gov.uk
Area Roads Manager John Gill 0131 529 3487
John.gill@edinburgh.gov.uk
Task Force Manager Rab Farqhhar 0131 664 8330
rab.farquhar@edinburgh.gov.uk
Task Force Manager Jim Monaghan 0131 664 8330
jim.monaghan@edinburgh.gov.uk
Task Force Manager Jim Curran 0131 664 8330
james.curran@edinburgh.gov.uk

Local Community Safety Manager: Kathy Evans 0131 529 5106
kathy.evans@edinburgh.gov.uk
Kathy is responsible for managing those services which make South Edinburgh a safer community, including Environmental Wardens, Community Safety Concierge, tackling antisocial behaviour and joint working with the Police.

Community Safety Team
Community Safety Team Senior Officer Vicki Jones 0131 529 5148
vicki.jones@edinburgh.gov.uk
Environmental Warden Team Leader Mohamed Demnati 0131 529 5101
mohamed.demnati@edinburgh.gov.uk

Call the Council Contact Centre on 0131 200 2323 for info on Council services.
Call 0131 529 5757 to report stair lighting faults.
Call CLARENCE on 0800 23 23 23 to report road and lighting.
Call 0131 529 7050 to report antisocial behaviour and find out how to help end it.
Call the Rapid Response Team on 0808 100 33 66 about litter and dumping problems on public land.

Agenda 20th February 2008

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held
On WEDNESDAY 20 February 2008 at 7.30pm in
St Catherine’s Argyle Church Community Hall, Grange Road
All who live or work or are active in the area are welcome.
Hearing loop available.

Sederunt and Apologies.
Minutes of Meeting held 9 January 2008.
Matters Arising.
4. Police Report.
5. Meadow Place presentation by City Council
Transport Department.
6. Volunteers for Custody Visiting Scheme .
7. Business Parking Permits.
8. Meadows Festival.
9. West End Bus Services.
10. Lunch Club Update.
11. A.O.C.B.
12. Next meeting 12 March 2008.