Dear All

I hope you have all had a good week.  It was really good to see the boardwalk at Figgate Park was mended with new timber replacing those bits that were beginning to succumb to rot.  A Council work order was also raised this week for the removal of the willow trees fallen across the burn, just opposite the Northfield entrance.  That work might have to wait until the water level is a bit lower, after all that rain.

It is also good to see site preparation for the construction of new Council housing strong in Bingham get underway.  Initially, the site access was from Bingham Avenue, but is now on Duddingston Row so the No 4 bus stop and sheltered housing is not so badly affected,  The neighbourhood is getting updated through newsletters and links with the neighbouring Seaview Respite Centre, Bingham Community Centre and Community Renewal and neighbours is helpful.  The project manager is very responsive to any concerns local people raise with her.

Construction of new housing to the north-west of Asda at the Jewel requires a new connection to the main sewer.  This is obviously major works and the buses can’t get through the bus gate until this is done.  So access to a store with a post office is a trek on foot for Bingham residents from the Hosie Rigg roundabout.  Sadly, the Lothian Buses network performance manager tells me that the diversion that to the store played havoc with the reliability of the timetable because of traffic congestion. The sewage connection works are likely to continue until 12 October. 

Residential parking at Klondyke Street in Newcraighall is too often blocked at school drop off time.  This is causing some tension, as it does around many schools.  I have asked the education officers to work with the Newcraighall school community to help encourage school traffic always to use the rear entrance where there is plenty room to park and to encourage more to walk and cycle instead of getting in the car.

Measures to allow for safer drop-off and pick-up for pupils around Brunstane Primary School are planned with a short consultation on proposed road closures under a temporary traffic regulation order.  I sent on the details yesterday with those who have been in touch with acute concern about the safety of pupils at the school gate.  If you need those details too, do get back to me.

And before you ask – Duddingston Road is already on this list: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/spaces-people-1/spaces-people-temporary-measure-planned/4?documentId=12988&categoryId=20299

Our young people talk such a lot of sense.  Do listen and learn:  https://edinburghtalksclimate.dialogue-app.com/what-do-young-people-think

A couple of people were in touch wondering what the rules are now for the various businesses opening during the Covid-19 pandemic.  I hope this is helpful form the Council’s website : https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/coronavirus-4/advice-businesses-opening-covid-19/1

Thank you to all who have given me such warm encouragement in my Thistle charity walking challenge! Another 40km done and dusted this week and one pair of walking shoes now totally knackered.  There’s still plenty time to sponsor me, if you can.  Click here to find out more too: https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-3

Portobello Market is back this Saturday on its amazing 10th Anniversary.  How did that happen!? Details here: https://www.pedal-porty.org.uk/food/portobello-market/

Have a great weekend!

Maureen