Craigleith/Blackhall

Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council – Minutes of meeting on 3 October 2011

Present: Alan Denham (Acting Chair; Treasurer), Alistair Nairn, Alasdair Watson, John Young, Iain Hewitt, Liam Keegan, John Adams, Margaret Richardson, Cllr Stuart McIvor;

Also attending – PC Ran MacDonald (L&B Police), Karen Smith, Susan Ketrick.

Apologies: Eddie Thorn (Chair), Maureen Kane (Secretary), Dave Halbert, Euan Campbell, Cllrs Lesley Hinds, Tim McKay, Iain Whyte; Sarah Boyack MSP,

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Approved by Alistair Nairn, seconded by John Young

Lothian and Borders Police Report : PC Ran MacDonald stated that there were 3 priorities in the CC and wider area – walkways/cycleways –now with increased patrols, speeding – improved monitoring to be carried out, and underage drinking - a new initiative in the area is to target off-licences to inform them about the problem.

There had been no major issues. Local issues included 2 cycles stolen in Telford Road, thefts from insecure vehicles in the Corbiehill area and thefts of metals. He emphasised the importance of preventative measures.

He also identified road safety including speeding as an issue on Craigleith Road, Queensferry Road, Craigcrook Road and South Groathill Avenue. These matters will be reported back at a later meeting. Action L&B Police

In discussion the following issues were raised – parking on the pavement at the group of shops on Queensferry Road adjacent to Maidencraig Court and opposite Craigleith Crescent - Action PC MacDonald.

Chair’s Report: Alan Denham reported back on the recent meeting organised by the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils in the City Chambers with the City Council Chief Executive Sue Bruce and also Mark Tirley, Director Services for Communities. Sue Bruce had outlined 3 priorities – tram, - the financial context – a tight financial regime will be with us for the foreseeable future, and youth unemployment - CEC is working with major private sector companies in Edinburgh to establish Edinburgh Guarantee to provide work, apprenticeships and experience. She also stated that Community Councils were important in reflecting local views and concerns. They were equal in status to other levels of Government - rather than a hierarchy.  The City Council's role was to serve the residents of Edinburgh.

Topics raised in questions had included the condition of roads and pavements in the City; statutory notice procedures; availability of Council information and the scope for releasing more information provided it was not commercially confidential; and, planning objections / comments - CC comments treated no differently to single objections from other residents.

Vice Chair – John Young was endorsed by the CC as the new Vice Chair.

New Councillor - Neil Watt was welcomed. He outlined his background including his interest in community matters. Agreed he should be a member of the Community Council – proposed by Margaret Richardson, seconded by Alistair Nairn. .

Secretary’s Report: No report. Alan Denham reminded those present of forthcoming events including the BBC Brian Taylor Debate, the Planning Aid Conference, and the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership meeting on 11 October.

Treasurer and Planning Report: Treasurer's and Planning Report: No change to report. Action Alan Denham will report back on signs and banners when further information is available from the City Council.

Councillor’s Report: No report

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership – the application for NEP grant funding for improved street lighting on pedestrian link ways to improve safety and between Hillpark Way and Queensferry Road was supported by the Community Council.

Matters Arising:

Blackhall Signage: As agreed at the September meeting, Cllor Tim Mckay had provided a contact point in the Council.

Promoting the Community Council – no further development on notice boards - Action 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 boards.

AOCB:

Road Safety Problems around Stewart Melville College – Karen Smith and Susan Ketrick expressed concerns about road safety and traffic conflicts with school children arriving and leaving from the school. These include speeding and fast traffic on Queensferry Terrace and Queensferry Road and other than the pedestrian lights on Queensferry Road outside the main gates, there were no other designated safe pedestrian crossings for pupils. The absence of lollipop men/ladies exacerbated the problem. In discussion Cllr Stuart McIvor noted that speed indicators are to be installed on Queensferry Road. Action Cllr McIvor will also look into the scope for lollipop persons outside the school.

Orchard Park North – Liam Keegan had met recently with Ritchie Fraser and Jennifer, the local Parks Ranger, to seek ideas about improvements to Orchard Park North. £6000 has recently been spent on Orchard Park South and there would be an equal amount available again plus the possibility of bringing in additional money from other sources. Although the park is popular with dog walkers it is featureless and bland.
Liam sought ideas from the Meeting. He said Richie Fraser was thinking about adding some exercise sites for joggers, fitness bars and  such things as one possibility, though the perimeter of Inverleith Park struck him as a more likely place for those.

In discussion there was support for improvements to the Park including facilities for young people, improved access – either steps or a ramp, seats – City Council have a number of seats for permanent location. A multi purpose goal post was suggested. Cllr McIvor stated that there might be a surplus one available and he would investigate - Action Cllr McIvor.

Liam Keegan would discuss with Richie Fraser a possible improvement scheme within the budget and report back. Also agreed that local residents should be kept informed about suggested improvements once ideas were firmed up. This could be either through a leaflet drop or a presentation at a future Community Council meeting or both. Action Liam Keegan

For the longer term Liam Keegan saw merit in linking improvements
in Orchard Park to recent improvements in Blackhall Village - also the scope for reusing Craigleith sandstone.

Construction Noise Problems – Alan Denham reported on severe noise problems arising from pile driving on the Mactaggart and Mickel housing construction site on Craigcrook Road over a number of weeks. When a complaint was registered about the invasive nature of the noise, a City Council noise official said that provided it was occurring during daytime, no action would be taken. The noise levels were apparently within the approved range. This part of the construction was due to be completed by 30 September.

Minute layout – Alistair Nairn offered suggestions for improvement in relation to actions required arising from meetings.

Next Meeting: Monday 14 November in Stewart’s Melville College Dining Room, 7.30 pm.