Statutory Consultation - Options to Address Primary School Capacity and Accommodation Pressures in South Edinburgh

A statutory consultation on Options to Address Primary School Capacity and Accommodation Pressures in South Edinburgh started on 24 August 2015 and will run until Tuesday 6 October 2015.

The options proposed in the statutory consultation have direct implications for James Gillespie’s, South Morningside, Bruntsfield and Tollcross Primary Schools. All of these primary schools align to either Boroughmuir High School or James Gillespie’s High School; however, the secondary catchment areas will not be affected by any of the options. The proposals will also have indirect implications for St Peter’s RC Primary School.

Further information including the full statutory consultation paper, background papers and an online questionnaire are available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/southedinburghschools. Copies of the statutory consultation paper are available for inspection at the Council Offices at Waverley Court, at Morningside, Newington and Fountainbridge Libraries and at the schools affected by the proposals.

Four public meetings will be held in respect of the proposals at the venues, dates and times listed below: 

Venue	Date	Time
South Morningside Primary School	Thursday,  3 September 2015	6:30pm – 8:30pm
James Gillespie’s Primary School	Tuesday,   8 September 2015	6:30pm – 8:30pm
Bruntsfield Primary School	Tuesday, 22 September 2015	6:30pm – 8:30pm
St Peter’s RC Primary School	Tuesday, 29 September 2015	6:30pm – 8:30pm

During the consultation period, any views on this proposal should be sent to cf.propertyreview@edinburgh.gov.uk.   

Following the conclusion of the public consultation period a report on the Outcomes of the Consultation will be presented to the Council in February 2016 and the report will be made publicly available three weeks before the Council meeting. 

SESplan consultation: Jobs, Homes and Investment: Where, Why and How?

The impact population, household and economic growth will have on our countryside, infrastructure and communities is explored in the SESplan Main Issues Report (or more simply in the Easy Read Guide).  

With the second largest population growth in Scotland predicted by 2037 (220,000 more people and 25% more homes) there will be significant implications for wherever this new development is accommodated in the South East Scotland region. 

SESplan launched the public consultation on the Main Issues Report on the 21 July 2015.  

The consultation aims to get as many people as possible interested in the future of the region and commenting on the issues.  The Main Issues Report asks key questions, the answers to which will shape the way our region looks, feels and functions for decades to come. The Main Issues Report represents your chance to influence the second strategic plan for the region.

Southside Community Council: nominations sought!

People who are committed to improving their neighbourhood, and who want to make a difference in the Southside, are being sought to be part of the local community council.

Nominations are now open for places on Southside Community Council.

The city’s Community Councils are key to the work of the Council and other partners, are represented on each of the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and work with these partners to convey the views of local people, and to influence improvements to service delivery in their area.

At least six members of the public are now being sought to restart Southside Community Council, which previously ran until 2011.

Anyone aged 16 or over and on the electoral role can join by filling out a nomination form by 7 September. Contact your returning officer for a nomination form, visit the Council website or call 0131 529 3402 for more details of how to apply.

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Community Councils give people the opportunity to work with the Council and other partner organisations for the benefit of their local area.

“I would encourage anyone interested in joining the Southside Community Council to come forward for this exciting opportunity and chance to collaborate with fellow community members and partners, to make a real difference in their neighbourhood.”

Should you need any further information, please contact:

• Councillor Jim Orr, Returning Officer, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ, 0131 529 4018 jim.orr@edinburgh.gov.uk

• Donald Burgess, Partnership Development Officer, The Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 7FE | Tel 0131 529 3402 donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk

If there are more candidates than places on the community council, an election will be held on 28 September 2015.

New waste recycling service comes to the Grange in Phase 5 of the changes

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10440812_892468774115972_2635584351877980749_n.jpg

The new City of Edinburgh Council waste recycling service comes to the Grange in Phase 5 of the changes. 

A map showing streets included is also available.

Edinburgh by Numbers 2015

City of Edinburgh Council have published a useful Edinburgh by Numbers 2015 resource.  This is a online collection of city facts and figures, with links to more information.

You might also find an interactive mapping tool provided by Datashire Scotland helpful. This allows the entire map of Scotland to be searched by key 2011 census stats (e.g. postcode level, health board, parliamentary ward etc).

Summer fair and garden party at Maggie's Edinburgh: 12-4pm on Sa 22 Aug

Maggie's Edinburgh are holding a Summer Fair and Garden Party on Saturday 22 August from 12–4pm (at Western General Hospital, The Stables, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU)

There will be a garden workshop as well as various stalls and refreshments. 

The garden has been carefully created to be a welcoming extension of the Maggie’s Edinburgh inside space; it offers uplifting views out from the Centre, a connection to the changing seasons and, in warmer weather, a pleasant place to sit and relax.

[Maggie’s offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends]

Walk to Remember in aid of Marie Curie on 1 Aug 2015 at Dalkeith Country Park

This Walk to Remember event allows friends and family to walk 10k together around Dalkeith Country park on 1st August, to remember their loved ones and raise money for Marie Curie.

Teen Triple P Group in Tollcross for Dads, Step dads, Grandfathers and other Male Carers

City of Edinburgh Council are delighted to be able to offer a Teen Triple P Group for Dads, Step dads, Grandfathers and other Male Carers. This group will run at- 

Tollcross Community Centre

117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG

Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm

30^th September- 9th December 2015 (excluding school holidays)

Please submit applications before Monday the 14^th September 2015

Sessions allow you to explore ways to

• build a strong relationship with your teenager
• resolve conflict
• manage problem behaviours
• help your teen stay safe.

If you are interested you can complete an online application form. Please state clearly if the application is for the Dad’s group.

Details of the other Teen Triple P Groups that are running across Edinburgh are also available.

Article on MSCC in the Bruntsfield Links Magazine

Take a look at our article and Advert on p18-19 of the July Edition of the Bruntsfield Links Magazine.

Southside & Newington Newsblog: 1594 trees in the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links

As Cameron Rose's newsblog reports "a new count of trees in the Meadows area [PDF] has been added this month to the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links website."  

The document shows the number of each species.

"On most trees you will find a small tab which links to this 2009 detailed survey of trees and from the tab you can identify the tree species, height, spread, age and condition."

The Big Co-op Clean at The Meadows: 10am - noon on Sa 27 Jun

As part of Co-operatives Fortnight 2015, and in association with Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, Scotmid is supporting a community clean up at The Meadows, Melville Drive, Edinburgh (meeting at the Cricket Pavilion on Jawbone Walk at 10am).

Why not come along and help keep your community beautiful?  There will be litter picking, wild flower planting, trimming verges, featuring trees and reseeding grass.

Please bring gloves and suitable footwear. Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

All other materials and refreshments will be provided.

If you are interested in coming along to this event, please email Tricia so there will be enough refreshments on the day for everyone.

Agenda for MSCC meeting on We 24 June 2015 at 7:30pm

Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council will hold its monthly regular meeting on We 24 Jun 2015. 

The meeting will take place in our usual venue of St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls on Beaufort Road/ Grange Road. 

This will be our ninth meeting of 14/15.  After this meeting we will take a summer break. The first meeting after the summer will be on 23 Sep 2015.

All who live or work in the area are most welcome to attend 

A G E N D A

 1            Sederunt and apologies

 2               Draft Minutes of last meeting, 27 May 2015 and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

·       Advertising vacancies on MSCC

·       Hope Terrace (parking in front gardens)

·       Redevelopment of Royal Hospital for Sick Children site

·       Lovers Loan wall

·       MSCC publicity on advertising drums

·       Materials from Cockburn Association

·       Cost of advert in Meadows Directory

 3             Police Report

 4            Update on Meadows & Bruntsfield Links from Mike Shields 

Items for discussion

 5            New planning applications

·      20 Mansionhouse Road

 6            Nominations for road/pavement repair

 7            Engagement with Edinburgh Association of Community Councils

 8            Correspondence re Barbecues on the Meadows

Items mainly for information

 9            Treasurer’s report

10            Reports of meetings

·       Meadows Festival

·       Neighbourhood Partnership (inc Underbelly on the Meadows)

11            Traders’ Evening

12            AOCB

Friends of the Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Summer newsletter/ AGM on 26 Jun at 19:30

The Friends of the Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Summer newsletter (PDF) is now available on their website.

They are holding their AGM on June 26th at the Croquet Club, 7:30 pm. 

2nd Proposed Edinburgh Development Plan has now been submitted to Scottish Ministers

The 2nd Proposed Edinburgh Development Plan has now been submitted to Scottish Ministers (on 29 May 2015) for examination.  The local development plan is a document that sets out which types of development should take place where, and which areas should be protected from development.  It also contains policies that inform the Council’s decisions on planning applications.

If you would like to see the plan which is being examined a copy is available for public viewing in the Council’s offices at Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, and in every public library serving the plan area and also on the Council’s website.

The Community Council are looking for interested people to co-opt as new Community Councillors

See the contact details in the >>>>> right hand side column of this blog!

Power of Food Festival: 20/21 June

Edible Edinburgh is supporting the Power of Food Festival over the weekend of 20-21 June. Come with family and friends to celebrate community food growing.

This inaugural community festival involves 15 of the city’s community gardens with highlights ranging from an insect safari to storytelling, birds, music, and more. 

The festival has joined up with Sustrans  to offer a guided cycle tour of the Festival as part of National Cycle Network week and Edible Edinburgh will launch the Sustainable Food City Charter.  

For more details see:  poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.com 

Twitter @PoFFest                  Facebook EdinburghPowerofFoodFestival

NHS Lothian catering strategy consultation: comment by 19 Jun

NHS Lothian has launched a public consultation on catering services and are asking patients, staff and the public to have their say on food and nutrition.  NHS Lothian is committed to providing meals which look great, taste delicious, as well as being made from fresh, and where ever possible, locally sourced produce.  

Recent research shows nine out of 10 inpatients are happy with food being served in NHS Lothian.  However they are determined to improve standards.  

A summary of the main document is being distributed to interested groups and will be available across Lothian, while the full unabridged version can be accessed on the NHS Lothian website.  Comments are requested by 19 June 2015.

Bikes & Rail: June 15 Spokes public meeting

On Mo 15 Jun at 19:30 Edinburgh Cycle group SPOKES are holding a public meeting at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge.

The meeting will consider what impact for bike/rail there will be from Dutch company Abellio running ScotRail.  

The headline speaker is John Dietz, Cycling Strategy Manager for Abellio ScotRail.

Other speakers are:

• Sarah Ryan, Active Travel Officer for Sestran, the South East Scotland Regional Transport Partnership
• Susan Warren, Development Officer at Transform Scotland
• Robert Drysdale, Campaign for Borders Rail and longstanding bike/rail user

A panel discussion and audience QA chaired by Sarah Boyack MSP – will follow

Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race will take place on Sat 27 June

The Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race will take place on Sat 27 June at Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge.

There will be music, stalls, water-based and land-based activities, art and children activities

New information boards in Grange Cemetery

The Grange Association have provided new information boards in Grange Cemetery showing famous people buried there.