Happy New Year

With very best wishes for

Health and Happiness

to you and yours

in 2010 (& throughout the 'teenies')

from Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

(picture courtesy of Andrew Younger)

Southside & Newington Newsblog: refuse collections

Cameron Rose's Southside & Newington Newsblog has a useful summary of details of refuse collections over the holiday period.

Seasonal Greetings!

Hope you have a very Merry (white) Christmas

&

best wishes for health and prosperity in 2010

Response requested by 11 Jan 10: Application for Lady Boys to use Meadows in Aug 2010

The City of Edinburgh Council have received an application from the Lady Boys of Bangkok for an event to be held on the Meadows from 6 - 28 August 2010 with the set up and take down dates being 2-30 August (29 days). [more than 4 weeks in policy]

If you have any comments to make regarding this application can you please return them to Cathy Dignan (Parks Events Officer; cathy.dignan@edinburgh.gov.uk) by Mo 11 Jan 2010.

Supporting involvement in planning: Planning Aid for Scotland

Planning Aid for Scotland is "an organisation with a unique role - not only in helping modernise the planning system but in getting people involved in shaping their own places and futures." They have 230 professional planning volunteers and operate a free telephone advice service.

They have just mailed MSCC with two leaflets which they wish brought to members attention: on planning advice; and on training. I will bring the paper versions to the next meeting.

NHS Lothian: Health link newsletter - Winter 09 edition

Four paper copies of the winter 09 edition of NHS Lothian's Health Link newspaper have arrived with the secretary with a request to circulate them to community councillors. Among other interesting features it contains an article on the new Sick Kids hospital to be built at the Little France site.

If anyone wishes one of the paper copies please get in touch with the secretary.

Community Beat Police Newsletters for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows (Nov & Dec 09)

Yocksan Bell, the community beat officer for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows has circulated his newsletters for November and December 2009.

South Central Neighbourhood Partnership Meeting - 11 Jan 10 at 7pm

The South Central Neighbourhood Partnership will meet in public on Monday 11 January 2010 at 7pm (till 9pm) in the Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. There will be a public discussion of the proposals from the sub-group established to consider regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

For more information please contact: Donald Burgess (Partnership Development Officer). The MSCC rep on the neighbourhood partnership is Alastair Philp.

Update (30 Dec) - Papers now available

· Go to Council Papers online.

· Click on "go to committee search"

· Pick "South Central Neighbourhood Partnership" as committee name and "11 January 2010" as date.

· Click "search"

EACC topic for Sat 9 Jan changed, to 'Enforcement'

The next Edinburgh Association of Community Councils Saturday Morning Question Time (10am at City Chambers on Jan 9) has been changed from the previously advertised topic of the Association of Scottish Community Councils.

It will now be on 'Enforcement'.

The panel will be:

* Graham Drummond, Community Protection Operations manager for Services for Communities (noise control, anti-social behaviour and liaison with police);
* Charlie Holt, Community Safety Manager, East NP (environmental wardens, anti-social behaviour)
* Tom Stirling, senior official Alcohol Licensing CEC
* Alistair Somerville, senior official Property Licensing (HMO's)
* A Planning senior official (to confirm his attendance shortly).

SESplan newsletter now available

Edinburgh and South East Scotland Strategic Development Plan Authority - SESplan - comprises City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, Fife, Scottish Borders and West Lothian Councils.

Their key role is to prepare and maintain an up to date strategic development plan for the area. This process will involve engaging key stakeholders and the wider community.

They have just published a newsletter (PDF).

Agenda: meeting of Community Council on We 9 Dec 09 at 7:30pm

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held on Wed 9 Dec 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.

Tea/ Coffee will be available beforehand

A G E N D A

1. Sederunt and Apologies.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting

3. Matters Arising:

4. Police Report

5. External Meetings and Comm Councillors reports:

a. HMOs: (Consider proposals to Neighbourhood Partnership in January. Ann Laird)

b. Planning concordant and planning spokesperson

c. Edinburgh Association of Community Councils

d. Cockburn’s Association

e. Parking: amendments to waiting restrictions

6. Community Groups event January 2010

7. Publicity and Advertising

8. Garden Competition

9. Any other business

10. Date of Next Meeting

World AIDS day comes to the Meadows

Red ribbons round the cherry trees of Jawbone Walk to commemorate World Aids Day 2009.

Edition 12 of Edinburgh Community Council News

An electronic version of Edition 12* (Nov 09) of the Edinburgh Community Council News is now available.

* 1.96Mb .doc file - paper versions available from MSCC Secretary

From Cameron Rose’s newsblog: new parking proposals for Grange

Cameron's blog carries a post published yesterday reading...

“Following the fall of the extension of the controlled parking zone in Grange/Newington earlier in the year new, more limited, proposals are being brought forward. These include a first for Edinburgh - placing short sections of yellow line which prohibit parking for a one or two hour period during the day. This will prevent long term parking in these otherwise uncontrolled areas and ensure a turnover of use.

Maps showing these (and other proposals) can be viewed at a public meeting at 7.00pm on Tuesday 1st December in the Royal Blind School (Craigmillar Park). The draft plans will be on view from 6.30pm, and Council staff will be on hand to explain the proposals and to answer questions. A formal question and answer session will commence at 7.00pm.”

For more details (including links to the three plan documents) see Cameron’s blog post.

Website giving contact details for registered landlords

Tina points out that the recently delivered Edinburgh Outlook South features a website where you can search for contact details for (registered) landlords.

Application for Public Entertainment licence: New Gentle Touch in Argyle Place

The New Gentle Touch (sauna and massage parlour) at 40 Argyle Place has submitted an application for a Public Entertainment Commercial Operation Licence. City of Edinburgh Council notified us of this today in a letter that continues:

"Anyone wishing to object to the grant of a licence must lodge a written objection or representation specifying the grounds of the objection or the nature of the representation with the Council Solicitor, City of Edinburgh Council, Licensing Section, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ, by 17 December 2009 ; The objection or representation must specify the name and address of the person making it and be signed by that person or an Agent. Copies of objections or representations will be sent to the applicant. Objections or representations can be delivered by hand or posted by Recorded or Registered Delivery Post so that they would normally be expected to arrive by the above date. Late objections or representations can be considered if a good reason is given but otherwise if the terms of this Notice are not complied with, the objection or representation will be disregarded."

Consultation on draft statement of principles for gambling licensing

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the City of Edinburgh Licensing Board is required to publish a Statement of Principles every three years, outlining the procedures it intends to follow in discharging its statutory responsibilities and functions under the Gambling Act 2005.

The existing policy is now in its third and final year; therefore, in accordance with the requirements of the Act, the Board has undertaken a review of the current policy and has prepared a draft Statement of Principles. The draft ‘Statement of Principles’ has now commenced a period of consultation which will expire on Friday 18 December 2009.

Anyone wishing to make representations or offer comment on the draft Statement of Principles should do so in writing to liquorlicensing@edinburgh.gov.uk. Upon completion of the consultation period, the Board will consider any representations which may have been made and will publish the finalized Statement of Principles.

Cameron Rose: Parking proposals for Grange, Newington

Cameron Rose's newsblog carries an item this evening about parking proposals for Grange, Newington:

"Following the abandonment of the extension of the controlled parking zone in the Grange area, new more modest local proposals have been brought forward for local comment".

Read more...

Marchmont & Sciennes Christmas Tree Lighting Sat 5 Dec 4.30pm

Saturday 5th December 4.30pm at Warrender Park Road (outside Scotmid)

Listen to the pipers, see the tree being lit, sing some carols with the local school choir and brass ensemble, then accompany us along to the German-speaking church in Chalmers Cresecent for mulled wine and mince pies*, music and a raffle with prizes donated by our local traders!

We are, as ever, looking for volunteers to help on the day, particularly with the stewarding of the event. We have two police officers in attendance and two MSCC stewards but we could do with a couple more.

If you could help out please let Tina know on 229 0819. Thank you - see you there!

*kindly donated by Haddows.

Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian– Pre Application Public Consultation Process

Edinburgh and Midlothian Councils have set up a joint project - Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian - to reduce the amount of waste that is being sent to landfill.

Both Councils recently agreed to purchase a derelict site in the Millerhill area of Midlothian, on which a waste treatment facility could be built. A planning application will be lodged seeking planning permission in principle for the site so it can be offered to contractors as an area on which to build a waste treatment facility.

Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian are now undertaking a period of pre application consultation. As part of this process they will be hosting two public events to be held at Danderhall Community Centre, Newtonchurch Road, Danderhall, EH22 1LU.

The events are open to all and will take place on 28 November 2009 (11am to 4pm) and 1 December 2009 (7pm to 9pm).

Comments or requests for further information please to zerowasteteam@midlothian.gov.uk

Consultation on Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto: comment by 31 Jan 2010

The first draft of the Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto has now been completed and is out for consultation until 31 January 2010.

The aim of this Manifesto is to provide a framework within which a balanced and sustainable events programme can be achieved, whilst ensuring the quality of the land is maintained to the highest standard possible. It uses eight key principles, the first five determine whether an event will be given permission, the following three are aimed at the successful management of an agreed event. Each principle has a section giving background information and comments are invited on each of these principles.

A questions template is available to assist responses. Comments should be sent to parks@edinburgh.gov.uk by 31 January 2010.

Update: Three briefing papers have been prepared by Friends of the Meadows & Bruntsfield Links to help consultees and give them some background information. They are available (all as PDF) from the FOMBL website: Briefing Paper 1 | Briefing Paper 2 | Briefing Paper 3

BT Community Connections scheme

The BT Community Connections scheme offers a free laptop & broadband connection for a year to voluntary groups.

The next deadline for applications is 7 January 2010.

Edinburgh Civic Forum meets on Tu 8 Dec at 4:30pm

The next meeting of the Edinburgh Civic Forum will be held on Tuesday 8 December 2009 at 4.30 pm in the Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. The Forum is an opportunity for community councils, local street associations, amenity and partnership bodies to discuss issues of common interest and keep up to date with local and national planning policy. The Civic Forum aims to strengthen the dialogue between civic groups in the capital and the City of Edinburgh Council. It also aims to encourage greater interest and involvement in planning.

Tea and coffee will be available from 4.00 pm. The agenda will include: a report on current planning issues by John Bury, City of Edinburgh Council; a progress report on the Urban Design Initiative by Riccardo Marini, Design Leader, City of Edinburgh Council; and discussion of 2010 meetings of the forum.

Attendance at forum meetings is not open to the public but if anyone would like to go on behalf of Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council could they please contact the MSCC secretary.

If you have a question regarding the Edinburgh Civic Forum please contact admin@cockburnassociation.org.uk

Quartermile: hotels and eateries

The Edinburgh Evening News today has a story entitled Two hotels get ready to book their place at Quartermile site. A gym will open later this month and the public square featured in a recent posting here is set to feature cafes, restaurants and bars.

October Community Beat Police Newsletter for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows

Yocksan Bell's October Community Beat Newsletter (PDF) for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows areas (covering issues for September 2009) is now available.

Waste Action Grant Celebration Event on We 2 Dec 09 at 6pm

A drop-in celebration event to share the success of waste projects that have been funded through the waste action grant programme will be held at the City Chambers (Main Hall) on We 2 Dec at 6-8pm. During the evening, there will be short presentations from local groups highlighting examples of a reduce, reuse and recycling project. The presentations will be followed by a performance from TRASH music company http://www.trashmusic.org.uk/site/.

This informal evening will help raise awareness of local waste initiatives and inspire people to take action by showcasing successful grant applications. There will also be plenty of time for nibbles and networking.

If you have any questions or you'd like to attend please contact Anita Duffy as soon as possible by calling 0131 469 50 70.

Capital City Partnership’s electronic newsletter - Social Inclusion News - Nov 09

Issue 65 (November 2009) of the The Capital City Partnership’s electronic newsletter, Social Inclusion News is now available.

The Capital City Partnership (CCP) is a key strategic partnership within Edinburgh's Community Planning Framework, leading on the delivery of the regeneration targets of the city's Single Outcome Agreement. It brings together key statutory, voluntary, community and private sector organisations to promote change and joint working for community regeneration.

Warrender Swim Centre is temporarily closed

The following notice is on the Warrender Swim Centre website:

Warrender Swim Centre is temporarily closed (5 Nov 09).

We are very sorry that we have had to close the facility.

We have encountered a glazing fault at Warrender Swim Centre which has resulted in the closure of the pool and cancellation of all swimming lessons and club use. The gym is also closed at this time. We are curently investigating the cause of the fault and we will reopen the centre as quickly as possible.

In the meantime you can continue to be active with Edinburgh Leisure, the closest alternate venues are Gracemount Leisure Centre and Dalry Swim Centre.

They will keep this page updated. Alternatively call 0131 447 0052.

update: Edinburgh Evening News story - Pool shut after glass panel falls on swimmer

Agenda: meeting of Community Council on We 11 Nov 09 at 7:30pm

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held on Wednesday 11 November at 7.30pm in St Catherine’s Argyle Church Community Hall, Grange Road

A G E N D A

1. Sederunt and Apologies.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting (word.doc)

3. Matters Arising

4. Police Report

5. Reports from meetings and CCouncillors

6. New business

7. Community Councillors (introductions including areas of interest and general discussion)

8. Our Community (discussion to generate list of community groups and interested parties)

9. A.O.C.B.

10. Next Meeting

Annual Conference: Association of Scottish Community Councils - Saturday 14th November at the Scottish Parliament

The 2009 ASCC Annual National Conference will be held on Saturday 14th November at the Scottish Parliament from 10am to 4pm. All Community Councillors in Scotland are welcome but priority will be given to member Community Councils. Speakers include:

* Jim McKinnon (Scottish Government Director of the Built Environment and Chief Planner for Scotland) - New planning laws and how they affect Community Councils.
* John Mayhew (Director, Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland) - The rural agenda for Community Councils
* Dr Evelyn Silber (Glasgow CC Empowerment Pilot Project) - The Glasgow Pilot - You can too!
* Henry Shanks (Solicitor, Retired CCllr ) - The legalities of CCs & Of Common Good
* Dr Nicola Welsh (National Development Officer) - Dialogue with Comm Cllrs

Tree Warden Scheme

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative to enable people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing their local trees and woods. Tree Wardens are volunteers, appointed by Friends of Parks groups, Community Councils or other community organisations who gather information about their local trees, get involved in local tree matters and encourage local practical projects to do with trees and woods. A Tree Warden Scheme has been run in Edinburgh since 2004 and there are nearly 25 volunteers who help look after the trees and woods in their area.

The City of Edinburgh Council's Parks and Greenspace Forestry Service has taken over the running of the Tree Warden Scheme in the city and are now looking for new volunteers to get involved. A series of events have been arranged for the next year, including tree identification and tree planting. The Calendar of events gives the full programme. If you are interested in becoming a Tree Warden please contact steven.webley@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, the group you represent and the training event you would like to attend.

News from Edinburgh World Heritage

A newsletter has arrived from Edinburgh World Heritage with items of news about the Edinburgh World Heritage site.

These include: Doors Open Day; Shandwick Place restored to its past glory; Nelson and Burns Monuments; international interns' and Edinburgh's historic graveyards added to Watch list - Occtober 2009