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Merchiston Community Council meeting 16th
September 2008 7pm Eric Liddell Centre, Holy Corner In attendance: Bridget Stevens (Chair), Ann Royden
(Secretary) Robin Morris (Vice-chair), Francis Hawarden (Treasurer), Jenny
Mackenzie (Minutes), PC Alan Hopper, Mairianna Clyde (MCC Planning), John
Lennie (MCC Planning), Alison Elwell-Sutton, Sue Gyford (Edinburgh Evening
News), Ian Clement, Patricia Bouchier, Cathie Waller, Agnes Renton (South
Central Neighbourhood Partnership Link Officer), Ian Bouchier, Bob Rendall (CEO Eric Liddell Centre), Cllr
Mark McInnes (Cons), Edward Warwick, Ariane Loening, James Geekie, Jeff Middlecote,
Helen Zealley, Cllr Gordon Buchan (Cons), Ian Doig, Cllr Marilyne MacLaren
(SLD). William Mykura (MCC Transport). 1. Chairman’s welcome
and report Bridget attended more than half a dozen meetings/events for MCC since 17th
June, including the Working Group on
Meadows and Bruntsfield Links – a sub-committee of South Central
Neighbourhood Partnershhip (NP). A
public entertainment licence for the Meadows May through end of August had been
granted, despite much opposition from local residents. MCC wrote to CEC expressing dissatisfaction
at the lack of consultation, on various developments. A CEC management plan for future use of the Meadows,
yet to be finalized, will go out to consultation. Re Houses of
Multiple Occupation: At a South Central NP public meeting (well attended),
Chair of CEC Regulatory Committee Cllr Colin Keir noted his opposition to a
quota system. Most of the public opinion
favoured quotas, which some legal opinion claims would be illegal. MCC requested the matter should go to full
Council, with request for public consultation.
This was agreed, but the subsequent meeting took place in the holiday
period and with very short notice given to community groups. MCC has been assured that the matter will be
brought back at a future date, with all community groups given appropriate
notice. Re Post Office
closures: A well-attended public meeting
was organized by Marchmont Sciennes CC and Mike Pringle MSP, with particular
focus on Warrender Park Post Office.
Vigorous opposition to the closures from the floor, but Re Consultations: MCC also submitted responses to both the
Scottish Government consultation on the Draft Model Scheme for CC’s and draft
Code of Conduct, and the CEC consultation on Proposed Review of CC scheme. Other members have represented MCC at other meetings.. Business Meeting 2. Apologies for
absence: Cllr Alison Johnstone (Green), Beccy Brooks, Paul
Swann (CEC), Cllr Andrew Burns (Lab), Kay Smith. MCC offers congratulations to Cllr Burns on his appointment as leader of
the Labour group in the Council. 3. Minutes of last
meeting (17th June2008) Approval moved by Frances Hawarden. Matters arising: Re speed bumps in Reiterated that this road is number 70 on the list of locations to be
subject of traffic calming, and that during a police speed check there had been
no offenders recorded on that day. Cllr McGinnis notes that flashing signs can
be another option that is not quite as controversial. It was agreed that Gary Patten from Services
to Communities should be invited to attend a MCC meeting in either November or
January. Agnes to liaise. Further discussion deferred until that time. Re Controlled
Parking Zones (CPZ) Frances Hawarden will update MCC re promised vouchers at the next
meeting. Jim Geekie noted that motorists double parking are not being
booked. Cllr Buchan noted that he would
forward an email referring to this matter.
Double parking does not come under police jurisdiction, unless causing
an obstruction. 4. Reports Police Copies of PC Hopper’s report are available on request. There were 44 reported crimes, with one
domestic housebreaking, two thefts of motor vehicles and four thefts from motor
vehicles. With Satellite Navigation
equipment being stolen in all four thefts, PC Hopper emphasized the need to remove
such items from vehicles when left unattended. Of 184 logged incidents in August, only 6 were graded 1 (emergencies),
57 graded 2 (not emergencies but to be responded to within one hour), with the
remainder dealt with by Community Beat Officers or patrol officers. PC Julie Cochrane was not in attendance but a copy of her latest report
was circulated. Operation Artisan, which
ran the entire month of August on the Meadows and Questions were raised re: Graffiti along the canal: Cllr
Buchan confirmed that enquiries are being made re this matter. Robin Morris confirmed that MCC has a graffit
removal kit which has been used successfully. Speeding cyclists on the canal paths: It was acknowledged that more than 50% of
cyclists travel over the six mph speed limit, but there is no enforceable
provision. Cycle Polite, a Spokes campaign, has had some effect in raising
awareness of cycle path etiquette. Cllr
Buchan noted that signage is only advisory. Planning John Lennie has written expressing concern regarding two proposed garden
developments, both of which had implications for the whole conservation area. Cllr McInnes noted that one has been refused. The conversion of The Orwell Lodge Hotel into flats is awaiting
outcome. Mairianna reported that the Edinburgh Civic Forum made a presentation
encouraging people to meaningfully engage in debate about planning matters. However, the area is under-resourced. The public is keen to be involved but are not
professionals in this field. Perhaps the
council could provide a contact within the planning department who could act as
a liaison. Concern expressed about a ‘spate of attic developments’ which compromise
safety and which can adversely affect all residents in the stair. It was noted that fire officers can have
difficulty reaching third floor flats, let alone attic extensions, with ladders
not long enough to reach them. A recent
fire revealed the dangers, with all the people in the building out of their
property for one year. There are many
more fires in HMOs. It is acknowledged
that the cause is related to lifestyles (no head of household), not landlord
negligence or wiring. Treasurer’s report Close of accounts for the year saw MCC in £60 credit. The grant for 2008/09 has now been received. Re grant application: It has been
agreed that MCC will apply for a community grant for two notice boards as the
existing boards are dangerous. Bridget
is liaising with the SCNP manager, confirming that the grant cost would cover
the cost of installation. An alternative
might be to ask Hardy’s, the local builder, to sink the boards into the ground. Cllr Buchan offered to assist in getting a response from SWNP on
provision of a notice board for the northside of the community. Licensing There have been no applications for licensing extensions or increased
hours. The council report on the Licensing Forum, currently disbanded, has been
missed for this month. MCC requests some information on the timescale for this
report, with concerns expressed that the Licensing Board is not being monitored
while the Forum is out of operation. Transport William Mykura confirmed that Jean Thompson’s meeting with Bill Campbell
of Lothian Buses was rewarding, with a ‘helpful’ response to concerns expressed
about bus changing difficulties in Princes Street. A new route will not be granted, but the tram
service will bring big changes which could allow for alterations in the placing
of stops. Health Helen Zealley noted that a new group has been established for the South
Edinburgh Public Participation Forum, but it is comprised mostly of
representatives from specific health interests.
There is a gap in provision here.
A new general public group is continuing to meet this need, and Helen will
continue to be our voice at that level. Councillors’ reports Marilyne MacLaren Confirms that she continues to be a champion of consultation re the
Meadows. There is now a greater focus on facilities for young people. 3Ms youth worker, Lucy Howie, based at ELC
does excellent and varied work. Re Boroughmuir High school: A
decision will have to be made before Christmas.
If there is to be a new school on a new site, there will have to be a
statutory consultation. The council has made a commitment that there would be no increase in
fuel costs this year for schools.
Despite the recent price rises, these extra costs continue to be met by
the council. Gordon Buchan. Reminder again of Post Office closure public meeting on 23rd
September, refer page one of these minutes. With reference to unkept gardens, the council is
powerless unless there is a health issue.
There is a garden aid scheme for elderly residents, but it does have a
long waiting list. In response to rising
fuel costs and adverse effects of the tram works on bus use, Lothian Buses will
be making some changes to their services, with the N27 proposed to go. Some representation is being made to protect
the two remaining lime trees near to Leamington Lift Bridge. Mark McInnes. All councillors are mounting cross party pressure requiring more
consultation on HMOs. The vice-president of the University Student Union has
shown a willingness to be considerate towards community involvement. All bus services are likely to be altered by October 6th. Both the 18 and 13 will offer reduced
services. He would press for full and timeous consultation on any further changes
to the CPZ. He will also check up on complaints about alleged abuse of CPZ
regulations by unliveried vehicles. 5. AOCB William will represent MCC at the South Central NP meeting on the 24th
September re the council plan to prioritise road repairs. Bridget will attend a Freedom of Information day at A possible Christmas carol concert could help raise the profile of
MCC. Perhaps a small choir each from
local schools, for which ample notice would be given. Venue could be round the Christmas tree on
the Links. 6. The next meeting will be held at 7pm
on Tuesday 21st October at Polwarth Parish Church. The meeting concluded at 9pm. |
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