Craigleith/Blackhall

Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council – Minutes of meeting on 12 September 2011

Present: Eddie Thorn (Chair), Alan Denham (Treasurer), Dave Halbert, Alistair Nairn, Alasdair Watson, John Young, Iain Hewitt, Liam Keegan, John Adams, Cllr Tim McKay,

Also attending - Sgt Gillian Keaney (L&B Police), Duncan Maclaren, Euan Campbell

Apologies: Maureen Kane (Secretary), Margaret Richardson, Cllr Lesley Hinds, Mark Lazarowicz MP, Cllr Stuart McIvor, Colin Keir

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Approved by Dave Halbert, seconded by Eddie Thorn

Lothian and Borders Police Report : Sgt Gillian Keaney summarised current issues in the Community Council area and also in the wider Inverleith area. Following discussion with INP Clean, Green and Safe Group, Craigleith / Blackhall now has a dedicated police officer. Also agreed that patrols will be increased in areas of open space and cycle ways/walkways. There had been a spate of vandalism to cars in the Comely Bank area, bicycle thefts, 2 break-ins in the Hillpark area (person charged), and a break-in at Blackhall Primary School. A youth had been caught who was responsible for a large number of crimes and has been returned to Polmont.

In discussion the following issues were raised – the speed of notifying local residents of police/crime issues; traffic speeding on Queensferry Road, Craigcrook Road, and Groathill Avenue (Sgt Keaney will arrange for these matters to be dealt with at a later meeting); parking on the pavement at the group of shops on Queensferry Road adjacent to Maidencraig Court and opposite Craigleith Crescent; and the interface between pedestrians and cyclists on the walkway/cycle way.

Chair’s Report: Euan Campbell was welcomed. He outlined his background including his interest in community matters. Agreed he should be a member of the Community Council – proposed by Dave Halbert, seconded by Eddie Thorn. John Adams of Maidencraig Resident Association was welcomed back as a new and returning committee member.

Following the stepping down of Mark Brown as Depute Chair, agreed that the Chair will e-mail seeking expressions of interest as replacement Depute Chair

Promoting the Community Council – Chair suggested a regular CC table and attendance at Sainsbury’s. Duncan Maclaren commented that the former Blackhall Community Association noticeboard at Blackhall Primary School is unused. Agreed that Dave Halbert would explore the possibility of its use by the CC and also the scope for a board near Thain House in the Dip. Iain Hewitt would check with Sainsbury’s the scope for using one of their notice boards. Duncan Maclaren noted that local stores in the Dip and junction of Ravelston Dykes Road/Craigcrook road were willing to take notices.

Secretary’s Report: No report.

Treasurer and Planning Report: Treasurer's Report: With annual 2011 grant of £605.54, balance now stands at £2660.25.

Planning Report: Again a high percentage of householder applications - nothing of significance to report in terms of major developments.

To note -"temporary banner" at 2 Strachan Road for a Thai Massage on the site of the proposed billboards, which have been refused planning permission; the "temporary banner" has been in place 3 months. Agreed that City Development should be approached. In discussion the matter of signs in Maidencraig Crescent at the rear of Baillie Signs was also raised.

Councillor’s Report: Cllr Mckay commented favourably on the recent Inverleith Neighbourhood conference at which 100 people attended. Helpful basis to consider the next community plan. In discussion it was explained that it is for the Neighbourhood Partnership to take good ideas emerging in the community plan forward. He would also investigate the scope for the wider circulation of Councillor Briefing Notes.

Matters Arising:

Blackhall Signage: There was sufficient evidence to conclude that Blackhall Village has existed as a village for a long period – it is on a map of 1827. Additionally Alasdair Watson described the Corstorphine signage and how it might be used as a template for Blackhall Village. To assist in taking his ideas forward, agreed that Cllor Tim Mckay will provide a contact point in the Council.

AOCB:

Speeding: covered in police report

Roads and Pavements: following concerns raised by Eddie Thorn low branches on trees in Craigleith Rd had been cut back. Alan Denham raised similar concerns at other points including Queensferry Road, Ravelston Dykes Road – agreed that he will contact Neil McFarlane in the North Office.

EACC Meeting: Dave Halbert reported back to committee on the recent meeting he attended. Noted that City Council Chief Executive Sue Bruce will attend an open EACC meeting in the City Chambers on 24 September.

Inter-school Debate: to be held in Blackhall St Columba’s Church Hall on Thursday 15 September. – Debate subject “Coalition Works”.

Next Meeting: Monday 10 October in Stewart’s Melville College Dining Room, 7.30 pm.

(Note – accommodation not available and date of next meeting retained as Monday 3 October)