Craigleith/Blackhall

Minutes of the meeting of Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council 

9 January 2012

Stewart’s Melville Dining Hall.

Present; Eddie Thorn (Chair), John Young (Vice-Chair), Maureen Kane (Sec), Alan Denham (Treasurer) Alastair Nairn, Ian Hewitt, Alasdair Watson, Neil Watt, Dave Halbert, Jack Burton, John Adams, PC Laurence Barnett. Guest; Philip Mearns Apologies; Cllr Whyte, Cllr Hinds, Cllr McIvor

Minutes of Previous Meeting; approved by Alan Denham, seconded by Neil Watt

Treasurers Report; current balance is £2660.47.

Planning Report; Alan Denham reported on the Edinburgh Local Dev Plan (ELDP). The Committee felt park and ride facilities around Forth Road Bridge might reduce volume of traffic heading into town and alleviate the problem of non-resident parking in side streets. Alan will submit comment.

Secretary’s Report; All relevant information was emailed to Committee in a weekly update. Signage is required for Sainsbury’s notice board. Dave Halbert will investigate a website design.

Police Report; PC Barnett reported low crime stats for area. Police were present in Retail Park over Christmas acting as a deterrent for thieves. There was an increase in crime in the WGH. Police observed dangerous parking at Queens Ave/ Seaforth Dr and a report will be submitted to the Road Safety Dept. Traffic support officers noted no evidence of speeding in The Dip or Groathill Road S.

Matters Arising; Blackhall Sign; Alasdair Watson reported continuing problems with a ‘Blackhall’ sign. CEC will not recognise Blackhall as a village or town or local area; it is considered a part of the city. Local traders want banners but CBCC do not favour this and a mural is also not acceptable. The matter of signage will not be pursued any further by CBCC and Eddie Thorn will inform traders of this decision.

Blackhall Athletic FC; John Adams submitted a letter to Eddie Thorn (Chair) requesting funding of £600 for start-up costs for football team. Ian Hewitt suggested possible funds via management in the Retail Park. The team hopes to play at Broughton, Mary Erskine or RHS. The Committee voted; 6 for, 1 against and 2 abstentions, therefore, support will be given to the project, in principle and with the proviso that there are enough funds left after Dave Halbert submits outstanding claims.

CBCC Profile; Eddie Thorn (Chair) wanted to increase the profile of CBCC and suggested appointing a Press Officer. Neil Watt agreed to help with literature. The CC will consider the idea at next meeting.

Transport Meeting; Some CBCC members expressed disappointment that they could not attend the meeting called by Cllr Hinds to discuss the future of transport in the city. Maureen Kane (Sec) will contact Cllr Hinds and invite her to talk to the Committee about the matters raised at the meeting.

Business: Snow Volunteers; CEC recently requested snow volunteers but Eddie Thorn (Chair) felt that he could not endorse the idea as liability for participants is worded ‘highly unlikely’ which he felt was insufficient cover. The CC agreed, therefore, no further action will be taken to encourage volunteers.

Next meeting is on 13 February in Stewart’s Melville College Dining Hall at 7.30pm.