Dear All

On the first day of the new school term this week, detailed planning consent was granted for the new Castlebrae Community High School building. The cash to build the new school is in the Council Capital Budget. The whole fabulous, sector-leading school community was fully involved in all aspects of the design and is universally delighted – as am I.  This is the result of us four local Portobello/Craigmillar Councillors working together collaboratively on the things that unite us.  The new school can accommodate  700 pupils, with the possibility of expanding to 1200, as the school roll rises.  Just as well, since both Portobello and Holyrood RC High Schools are bursting at the seams with their own catchment area pupils.  This new school is very much needed for a growing and flourishing population. Evening News coverage here: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/education/closure-threatened-edinburgh-school-to-move-to-new-building-1-4983880

Portobello Community Council are asking for your views in what should happen at the foot of Kings Road at Kings Place to make the place safer and more amenable for everyone.  Of course the vast majority of us want the caravans and mess just gone, and well before now, but we need to ensure the space is better used once we have the power to clear the site. Click here and respond please: http://www.portobellocc.org/pccpn/2019/08/12/kings-place-parking-consultation/

Local Portobello artist Teresa Gordon has an upcoming exhibition. Her work explores the fragility of memory. Both Teresa’s parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she is intrigued by memory and its loss. Teresa hopes to raise awareness and some funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.  Her exhibition is called ‘Ebb and Flow’ open daily in Gallery 1 at St Margaret’s House from 24 August to 8 September.

On the same topic – memory loss – in case you’re wondering what’s that filming is going on the beach and Bedford Terrace this week, click here for the Evening News piece:  https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/film-crew-descends-on-portobello-for-new-bbc-drama-1-4985022  I totally loved the book ‘Elizabeth is Missing’ (2014) by Emma Healy and hope the film does it justice!  If you haven’t read it, you can buy or order it at Portobello Book Shop.

This year’s ArtWalk Porty’s programme (7-15 September 2019) has now gone live and here it is: https://mailchi.mp/faf077e09e7c/2019-programme

Work on the 3G pitches started on 8 July in Hunters Hall Park and is progressing well. The new 7 aside 3G pitch foundation is almost fully formed with drainage, first layer of sub-base and kerbing all in place. The carpet, shock-pad and fencing from the existing 2G pitch has been removed and the foundations for the new goal recesses and fence posts have been progressed. Works on the bus-turning circle, access paths and over-flow car park have also begun. The completion date is end of September 2019. A footbridge over the Niddrie Burn is also under construction.

Portobello Heritage Trust, working with Lost Edinburgh, are holding an exhibition of previously unseen photographs titled Portobello in the 1950s and 60s Images from the John Brodie Collection donated to Lost Edinburgh. That’s in Portobello Library from 2 September to 11 October. It’s sure to start many interesting and nostalgic conversations.

To report any blocked gullies, this is the link to use: https://my.edinburgh.gov.uk/app/report_it_forms/report_a_gully_problem

Road resurfacing of Niddrie Marischal Road and Hay Avenue is taking place between 23 and 28 August involving temporary parking restrictions.  Footpath patching took place this week at various locations – Castleview Avenue, Craigmillar Castle Gardens, Magdalene Avenue and Drive, Milton Crescent and Gardens and Milton Road.  

A reminder that there is a Porty Town Hall Community Planning Workshop on Saturday 24 August, 1pm to 4pm at Bellfield to which all those interested in the future of the Hall are invited. Follow the Facebook page: saveportytownhall. 

Even although I don’t take part, I am very sad that the Porty Parkrun had to be cancelled in Figgate Park this Saturday because a footbridge over the Burn has been fenced off and they might need to plan a new route.  It’s also highly inconvenient to the very many of us who enjoy the park regularly in many other ways. A hole seems have appeared on the bridge and I saw it was covered as I walked through the park, but it seems the bridge needs fixed properly before it can reopen.  I do open it won’t take very long and we Councillors have all asked for a speedy resolution.  I was also disappointed to see four much loved black poplar trees pollarded near Fruity Corner in the park.  I guess that was also a health and safety measure as this species of tree can suddenly snap in a high wind.  They did look very mature, perhaps near the end of their natural lives.  I am asking the Council’s tree service for more information on this though as I am no real tree expert!

A resident in Kings Road asked me to get in touch with Lothian Buses plc with a complaint about noise breakout from the bus garages at Seafield.  I got a quick helpful response which added the useful information that the local bus company are looking to expand the parking provision on site for their drivers, a move which should relieve some of the parking pressure for residents in neighbouring streets.

Remember Portobello Village Show is on Sunday 3 September 2pm to 5pm.  Unmissable!

Edinburgh Signposting Phoneline service (which was LOOPS) is now run at Volunteer Edinburgh entirely by committed volunteers.  Phoneline provides information on activities and services for people aged 50+ across the city.  Link here:  https://www.phoneline.org.uk/

That’s all for now.  Do let me know if you want updated on anything else.

Best wishes for a good weekend.

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child