Dear All

Bridgend Growing Communities’ annual potato day is taking place on Sunday 24 February 11am – 2pm at 41 Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4TE . Organic onion sets, garlic, shallots and 12 varieties of potatoes on offer.  All welcome. Website: http://bridgendgrowingcommunities.org.uk/ 

There is quite a bit of local chat about the ‘skateboarding’ element new Treverlen Park on the site of the old St John’s and Portobello High School.  Right at the start, a group of young local skateboard enthusiasts who came to see me and did take part in the consultations on the park and did help shape the plans. I fully appreciate and support any new campaign for a full skateboard facility in East Edinburgh, like there is at Saughton in the West, but this is not the site for that, as I made clear to my original posse of young petitioners. The new park, under construction now, will deliver a wheeled use area in line with previous commitments, in line with planning requirements and certain elements of the facility will be designed based on discussions with skatepark users.  Contrary to the terms of a current petition doing the rounds on social media, there has been no reduction in either scale or budget for this element of the park.   

Craigmillar Community Grows is part of Carr Gomm. Their aim is to get people to meet each other, combat isolation and feel healthier. They do this in various ways by encouraging people of all ages to take part in their environment either by volunteering in the many gardens around Craigmillar or joining in many varied workshops or outdoor events hosted with other organisations. For example they work with schools to develop their grounds, work with local organisations such as ESOL to help develop English language through cooking and gardening. They also help different organisations to  develop their outdoor spaces, growing vegetables, developing sensory and educational gardens either through one off or weekly workshops, or by putting them in touch with others who might be able to help. For example they helped develop Caring in Craigmillar’s sensory garden and connected them to many local organisations in the area. They also help Sandy’s Community Centre with various weekly workshops and helping to develop their outdoor space. More here: . https://www.facebook.com/Craigmillar-Community-Grows-CCG-775699399462258/

A retrospective planning application for illuminated signage at the new Hi Fi Corner has already attracted quite a number of comments in the neighbourhood, and beyond, well over the 20 now required for the retrospective application to be referred to Committee rather than being decided under powers delegated to planning officers. Details are: Portobello Conservation Area Advertisement of the following types : Fascia sign, hoarding (in retrospect) at 2 Joppa Road Edinburgh EH15 2EU 19/00237/ADV Hi-Fi Corner, FAO: Dr Colin Mackenzie, Mackenzie House, 2 Joppa Rd, EH15 2EU Delegated Decision Registered on: 31/01/2019 Comments Due by 21.02.2019 Jennifer Zochowska 0131 529 3793 jennifer.zochowska@edinburgh.gov. uk Community Council: Portobello

There is a Proposal of Application Notice: Land East of Corbieshot, The Jewel, Edinburgh, EH15 3AR.  This PAN comes before a Planning application is lodged, for the developer to get people’s ideas and comments on their draft proposals.  A Public Exhibition will be held at the Magdalene Community Centre, Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh EH15 3BE on Monday 18 February 1pm – 3pm and 6pm – 8pm. The exhibition boards will also be on display within the ASDA Superstore at The Jewel from 12 noon on Friday 15 February until 12 noon on Monday 18 February.

‘Art Group on the Move’ provides a blether and coffee at Richmond Craigmillar Church on Thursdays at 10:30am and they explore places of interest in Edinburgh such as galleries, theatres and gardens at no cost or as little a cost as possible. For more information, do contact Birgit Harris, Lifelong Learning on 0131 469 5489.

Milton Road Between Duddingston Park and east of Hope Lane City of Edinburgh Council – carriageway and footway resurfacing

Phase 1 – Milton Road and Park Avenue closed 7pm – 7am each week night for 4 weeks;

Phase 2 – Milton Road and Hope Lane closed 7pm – 7am each week night for 4 weeks;

Phase 3 – temporary traffic lights at Portobello High School. Occasional off-peak and weekend working, as required, 11/02/19 – 20/04/19. 

Off peak traffic diversions are in place.

To celebrate World Community Arts Day and the next stage of Craigmillar Community Tapestry, do come to the Thistle, 13 Queen’s Walk EH16 4EA on Monday 18 February 12.30pm to 2.30pm. 

This year’s ArtWark Porty is calling for for art houses for this year 7-15 September.  If you are an artist living or working in Portobello and interested in opening up your house or studio, do get in touch.  The deadline is 10 March at 5pm.  More here : https://mailchi.mp/ae8deeec10f9/art-houses-open-call

Craigmillar has changed a lot over the years. What has worked well and what could be better?  The Neighbourhood Alliance and Community Trust in the area would like to know.  Survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ChangingCraigmillar

Have a good weekend!

Kind regards

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child

Labour Councillor Portobello/Craigmillar Ward

Office: 0131 529 3268

Mobile: 07718 666 481

Facebook Page: Maureen Child Standing Up for Portobello/Craigmillar

Twitter: @MaureenChild1