Marchmont & Sciennes
Community Council
Minutes of Marchmont &
Sciennes Community Council
Meeting of Wed 26th
January 2022, 7.30pm by Zoom.
Present: Brian Gilmore (Chair, MSCC), Rhianna Robinson (Minute Secretary),
Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Alison Service
(MSCC), Cllr Neil Ross, Cllr Alison Dickie, Tim Pogson, Kayleigh Gordon (MSCC),
Michael Shields
Apologies: Anne Laing, Anthony Holmes
Matters Arising:
Minutes have been circulated; approved
by Alison and seconded by Susie.
Police Report:
Circulated.
We thank the police for providing the
report.
Meadows and Bruntsfield Links:
Mike:
Not much of an update to
provide, given January is typically a quiet month. There was mention of the application
for summer funfair in the Meadows.
FOMBL
Report has been circulated.
Alison: In addition to
information provided in the report there are 21 birdboxes for blue tits and great
tits installed. Each box has a nest box, with a map of boxes on the FOMBL
website. Kayleigh has kindly offered (on behalf of Marchmont Hardware) to
provide bird feed and fat balls for the birdboxes.
City Councillor Report on topical local issues:
Cllr Neil Ross:
There is not a lot to report from Marchmont area. An update from
the Culture Committee, with the report on proposed new cemetery management arrangements.
The report includes proposals regarding rules for dogs being allowed in in the
cemetery. The current arrangement is dogs are not allowed but there is no
enforcement and a lack of guidance to dog owners. The proposal outlines dogs
will be allowed, but on a lead.
Cllr Alison Dickie:
An update provided on the Sciennes Road situation which has been a
long running issue which includes the need for play space as a growing school
and safety issues. Temporary measures are in place, but action still needed. A
motion was submitted to Transport and Environment Department which outlined the
need to support play and safety and implement provisions for the longer term. We
expect a report to come back to committee which will be shared in the future.
Sunnyside Court saved the sheltered housing, so there will be no demolition,
but refurbishing instead.
Discussion of the push to reopen Newington library for the
community.
Introduction to Kayleigh Gordon, new Publicity member
Kayleigh accepted being co-opted as an associate member. A first
post has been posted on the MSCC Facebook site.
An update on the implementation of new regulations for interlinked
domestic fire alarms due to a problem with mass production manufacturing line. Cllr
Dickie is going to ask MSP for update.
Sick Kids Hospital Site Redevelopment
No mention of any further developments.
There have been comments regarding the noise from the construction.
Anne in contact with Downing, trying to get some acoustic panels but nothing has
been implemented as of yet.
Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment
Nothing to update, with Nigel receiving confirmation there is
currently no further progress.
Planning applications
Edinburgh City Plan 2030:
Anne flagged up proposals regarding Cameron Toll but this is out
with our community area and falls within the Grange and Prestonfield Community
Council area.
Grange Cemetery
Monthly Report has been circulated.
Nigel:
The leaflets mentioned in the last meeting are all now available
in the holders in the cemetery, as well as available for download from the
Grange Association website. The Community Payback Team have been putting up
monuments, but larger ones require assistance of professional stonemasons. Currently
4 or the larger memorials have been restored and a quotation for 7 more has
been received and is being assessed. There was discussion of potential
additional seating and improvements to signage. The Friends of Grange Cemetery
are keen to support green flag proposal. Spring bulbs have also been planted. A
donation of £666 was generously donated by Orthometals.
Update on Sewer Flooding project
Nothing.
Treasurer’s Report
Monthly report has been circulated. The bank balance is currently £1684.11.
Meetings attended
None.
AOCB
Proposal for an upgrade of the Zoom subscription to facilitate the
whole meeting within one link, rather than the current two links. This is £6.99
per month or £40 per year. It was decided a monthly subscription was more
appropriate given the uncertain nature of COVID-19 and whether in person
meetings will resume.
Susie raised the Church of Scotland consultation to consolidate
churches. The proposal is to amalgamate (a) Marchmont St Giles; (b) St Catherine’s
Argyle; and (c) Morningside United Church. This is regarding the congregations,
rather than buildings. St Catherine’s still advertise weekly services but
without a permanent minister.
Kayleigh queried the resurfacing of Chalmers Crescent as the
neighbouring street is scheduled to get resurfaced in May, so it is presumed it
will be around then.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 23rd February
2022 at 7.30 – Planned to be held on Zoom using the new subscription Brian will
be purchasing.
