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MINUTES OF MERCHISTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2007 AT 7.00PM AT ERIC LIDDELL CENTRE, HOLY CORNER 1.0 CHAIRPERSON'S WELCOME Bridget Stevens welcomed those present, who included Cllrs. Sue Tritton , Liz O'Malley, and George Hunter, William Mykura, Robin Morris, Mairianna Clyde, Frances Hawarden, Desmond Hodges, Alison Elwell-Sutton, Chris Sharman, Kay Smith, Ian Doig, Jim Geekie, Belinda and John Lennie and around 20 members of the general public. 2.0 PRESENTATION BY MIKE CONNELLY, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Tram Project. (accompanied by Lindy McKay) Mike spoke to a succinct PowerPoint presentation (copies available). Among many interesting facts quoted was the ability of trams to carry 20,000 passengers per hour, against a typical figure for buses of 10,000 per hour. Work on the first Edinburgh route is due to start in March of this year. This will involve preparation of the track bed, with some careful realignment of pipes and cables servicing e.g.. electricity, gas and water supplies. Current projections are for trams to be in service on Route 1 by Christmas 2010. There was questioning from the floor, particularly around the estimates of cost. Scepticism was expressed concerning the effectiveness of the partnership between the new trams and the buses, and the overall reduction on traffic volumes which were being anticipated. Mike explained that the one company would be in overall control of both the tram and bus networks. Bus staff would be offered retraining on the trams. Bridget thanked Mike on behalf of the Council for a clear and informative Presentation. 2.1 BUSINESS MEETING 3.0 Apologies for Absence Cllr Lorna Shiels, P.C. Alan Hopper, Beccy Brooks, Ann Royden 4.0 Minutes of Last Meeting held on 21sr November 2006 were circulated Adopted by Ian Doig, seconded by Desmond Hodges. 5.0 MATTERS ARISING i. "Sue O'Malley" to read "Sue Tritton, Liz O'Malley" ii. There had been no response from the City Council as yet regarding MCC's application for funds to buy a lap top and printer. 6.0 REPORTS 6.1 Police Report Written report from Alan Hopper which was circulated It was noted that there had been an increase in graffiti in the Merchiston District tagged "NICO". The public were encouraged to report any offences occurring in the neighbourhood . 6.2 Planning /Licensing Report Planning: Kay Smith was greatly concerned about the gap site in Watson Crescent as there had been an application for a care home. It was queried whether this was the best use for the site. If so, is the proposed design compatible with the surrounding flats ? Any objections need to be lodged by January 29th. John and Desmond agreed to examine the plans on the 24th January with a view to composing a letter. Kay Smith undertook to write separately. Also proposed for 24th January, if it can be arranged, is a demonstration by Planning Dept Staff, (moved to East Market Street) of the facilities for inspection of Planning Applications on the City Council's Web Site, using the terminals on the premises. It was hoped that as many as possible of the MCC's planning sub committee would be able to take advantage of the demonstration. John offered to contact the Grange Association to invite Andrew Bell, their Planning Secretary. Licencing: A formal letter of protest had been written to both the Chief Executive of the City Council and the Chairman of the Licencing Board concerning the treatment of Bridget and Robin by the legal representative of Festival Inns and the Board’s dismissal of 100 objections to the Hotel’s late licence. It was understood that protest letters had also been sent in by several local residents who had been amongst the objectors to the application. Meantime, noise disturbance from the Orwell Lodge and from the Polwarth Tavern was being reported by neighbours of those establishments. 6.3 Treasurer's Report The Treasurer's report was circulated. This contained projections for the remaining financial year. It was noted that photocopying was a significant expenditure. However, if the grant for a new printer (see 5.ii above) was awarded, this would be greatly reduced. 6.4 Meetings attended by the Chair since the last meeting A written report was circulated. Desmond congratulated Bridget on her hard work on behalf of the MCC. 7.00 ANY OTHER BUSINESS 31st January is the date of the next meeting of the Neighbourhood Group in the City Chambers. Ian Clement spoke of an important meeting also taking place on 31st January in the City Chambers on Primary Care. Ian Doig voiced concern regarding the late uplift of Christmas trees. Sue Tritton reassured him that it was intended that they would be removed eventually, and that they should be left out meantime. 8.00 Date of Next Meeting - 20th February - it was suggested that this be held in the Viewforth Parish Church Hall - venue to be confirmed. It was hoped to enlist the same speaker, Dr James Gilmour, who had delivered a talk to Southside Community Council on the new voting system for City Councillors, to do the same for MCC at this meeting |
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