MSCC Minutes for November 2021

 

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

 

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 24^th November 2021, 7.30pm by Zoom.

 

Present:  Brian Gilmore (Chair, MSCC), Rhianna Robinson (Minute Secretary), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Alison Service (MSCC), Anne Laing (MSCC), Anthony Holmes, Cllr Mandy Watt, Cllr Ian Perry, Tim Pogson (Potential Council Candidate), Christopher Cowdy (Resident), Mike Shields (CEC Parks)

 

Apologies:  Kayleigh and Leanne from Marchmont Hardware

 

Matters Arising:

 

Minutes have been circulated; approved by Alison and seconded by Anne.

 

Police Report:

 

Circulated.

 

Query regarding the criminality in Astley Ainslie grounds. This has been described as anti-social behaviour including drinking alcohol and litter.

 

Meadows and Bruntsfield Links:

 

Mike:

 

Anne queried whether the public toilets had been removed. Mike confirmed that these were removed today.

 

Discussion of the erection of a wooden play hut for children on Bruntsfield Links, west of Whitehouse Loan .

 

FOMBL

 

Report has been circulated.

 

Alison discussing the advantageous of new instalments for the community such as the table tennis table, playhouse and the wildflower meadows which continue to be worked on.

 

City Councillor Report on topical local issues:

 

Cllr Ian Perry:

Discussion of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the rise in cases. Whilst case numbers have not been as bad in Scotland/UK as other parts of Europe, it is important that we do not become complacent. Ian outlined issues faced in local schools, with the Head Teacher at Sciennes Primary having been off for weeks and an interim Head instated. Numerous parent queries regarding extra-curricular activities , which are unable to be facilitated at Sciennes Primary at present, due to short staff numbers.

 

Cllr Mandy Watt:

 

Warrender Park Road: Currently in the process of replacing and replanting the trees that had to be removed there as they had died.

 

CCTV: Discussion of facilitating better lighting in the Meadows, as well as installing one mobile and one fixed CCTV camera for women’s safety.

 

Zebra Crossings: On the Quiet Route  from Morningside to the Meadows, looking at the potential implementation and use of mini zebra crossings on side roads at junctions in order to make it clear that pedestrians have priority.

 

Pavilion Café: Move to have this in community ownership. Just in initial idea stage.

 

Traffic: Discussion of road closure of Whitehouse Loan and alternative of making a schools streets project with timed traffic lights. A number of residents feel that driving around creates more traffic movement and makes streets busier. A number of drivers don’t realise road is closed going to Sciennes primary and drive along to Sick Kids Site and need to turn which proves problematic. Anne has requested better signage from Cllr Rose. Updates to Google Maps proving beneficial.

 

Bins: Litterbins overflowing at top of Bruntsfield Links from Marchmont Road.

 

 

Progress on appointment of Publicity Officer

 

Kayleigh Gordon from Marchmont Hardware was keen to take up the social media position on behalf of MSCC. She resides outside the area, but she works within the area. Subsequently, confusion arose as to the legitimacy of her membership and whether she could fulfil the role without being a member. It has since been confirmed that she would be eligible to be an Associate Member although Kayleigh wants to discuss this with Mandy before pursuing the post.

 

Sick Kids Hospital Site Redevelopment

 

No mention of any further developments.

 

Anne: There has been no further update from two prospective buyers. Unlikely to finish demolition at end of November when it was due. Site is being cleared well.

 

Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment

 

Nothing to update, with Nigel receiving confirmation there is currently no further progress.

 

Planning applications

 

Edinburgh City Plan 2030:

 

Nigel:

 

The only thing of relevance to MSCC is Astley Ainslie. City Plan sets out general principles for development, and that site could potentially accommodate 500 housing units. No cause for alarm because commitments given, nothing will happen until Place Brief (like a master plan) is agreed by the Council. setting guidelines and how the site should look and feel. Applications for developments will be based off this. Remain reassured this process will be followed.

 

Susie:

 

Queried option of community buy out to keep it as green space – nothing in the city plan precludes this so when the community trust looks at this it will remain an option.

 

Grange Cemetery

 

Monthly Report has been circulated.

 

Nigel:

 

Good work by Friends of the Cemetery. Success of tree trail continuing with more leaflets produced. Volunteers doing well at gardening with Council providing bulbs, more with Grange Association money. Looking well. Restoration of the stones, the larger ones needed stone masons paid for by Grange Association.  Allowed to walk dogs but controversial. Additional members welcome, please contact: cemetery@grangeassociation.com.

 

Rev Stuart Irvin leaving St. Catherine’s Argyle

 

Alison: Will be sorely missed, he came in April 2016 and supported and helped MSCC. MSCC wish him well. There is no confirmation of his replacement.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Monthly report has been circulated. The bank balance is currently £1714.11. Alison has calculated a forward financial projection until year end in April 2022.

 

Meetings attended

 

None.

 

AOCB

 

Meeting – January online. Hybrid is tricky to facilitate.

 

Alison: Christmas Event cancelled. Anne to let Butterflies Café know no mince pies required.

 

Date of next meeting:  Wednesday 26^th January 2022 at 7.30 – Planned to be held on Zoom via two 45-minute links.