Dear All

Please see attached a further briefing note on the ‘Joppa Triangle’ and Brunstane Road traffic vexed question. There is still a lot more work and discussion to be had on this, locally and in the City Chambers, over the coming months.

On Tuesday, Councillor Mary Campbell and I welcomed about 70 people over three hours at Portobello Library to get ideas on how to make Portobello a better place for walking and cycling and discuss things like safer routes to school, slower speed limits, City Car Club, living streets, low emissions zones, controlled parking, dropped kerbs, the ‘Joppa Triangle and potential closure of Brunstane Road and City Plan 2030 Choices. There are too many vehicles taking up too much space on all our roads and pavements. It’s only going to get worse – so what do we all do about it?  The best question was: Why is there no mention in the Mobility Plan consultation about the revival of Congestion Charging?  Mary took all the post-its, red dots and written ideas away and is going to put the feedback together for us all.  Our huge thanks to Craig, Stephen and Frazer of Portobello Community Council for their moral support and practical help, including planning the drop-in, setting up and clearing up!

Portobello Community Council are consulting on one aspect of the Choices for new City Plan 2030 asking your views on the developments most relevant to the spaces closest to the community they represent.  And there are other aspects you might want to have a view on too.  Click here: http://www.portobellocc.org/pccpn/2020/03/04/consultation-on-choices-for-city-plan-2030/

Portobello Market is back this Saturday 7 March in Brighton Park from 9.30am to 1pm. Details here: https://www.pedal-porty.org.uk/food/portobello-market/

There’s a coffee morning on Saturday 7 March at St Mark’s Episcopal Church from 10am to 12 noon. As well as coffee, tea and bacon rolls, there will be a raffle to win a hamper, gift stall, Tombola, books and baking stall. Admission is free and the coffee morning is in aid of church funds (St Mark’s is a charity number SC017137) Everyone is welcome at St Mark’s 287 Portobello High Street. 

The Big Beach Busk’s KNEESUP is at Bellfield tomorrow, Saturday 7 March. The day is split into two exciting events, and cash tickets will be available on the door for both. Porty social enterprise Oi Musica is programming the music – brassy and upbeat during the day, moving into sultry post war swing and hot New Orleans trad jazz in the evening. Click here:  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4532163

You need to book early to take part in Edinburgh Volleyball Easter Beach Bonanza Monday 13 April and Tuesday 14 April on Portobello Beach as it is first some, first served and spaces are limited. Email Lynne Beattie at rdoeast@scottishvolleyball.org.  Or we could just go and watch!

Here’s a good illustration of some of the great work going on in Craigmillar connecting communities: https://www.carrgomm.org/news/craigmillar-community-connect-has-triumphed-again-in-fighting-loneliness

Many of you might be interested in the development of a food growing strategy for Edinburgh.  Full report here: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s14278/Item%207.7%20-%20Draft%20Edinburgh%20Food%20Growing%20Strategy%20for%20Consultation.pdf

Find out a bit more of the work being down by Community Renewal in Bingham and Magdalene here: https://mailchi.mp/fb991672a460/magnificent-march-in-bingham-and-magdalene-4335707

I wasn’t able to go to the Management Committee this week of the Jack Kane Centre but here is a newsletter which details all the great work they’ve been doing this past month or so, particularly their work with young people.  Click here and enjoy! http://jackkanecommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Newsletter.pdf

The Portobello/Craigmillar Neighbourhood Network meeting date is meeting on 18 March at Richmond Parish Church, 6-8pm. Agenda to follow next week. Find out more here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/26367/neighbourhood-networks-first-session-faq To get on the mailing list, contact Scott Neill / Lifelong Learning Service Manager / North East Locality/ 101 Niddrie Mains Road/ Edinburgh / EH16 4DS/ Tel: 0131 469-5326.

Finally, thank you to all who have already kindly sponsored me for the Kiltwalk this year in aid of The Thistle Foundation.  I have walked into the City Chambers twice this week, so you have helped inspire the training! Link is here: https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-3

Do let me know if you want ‘updated’ on anything else or have further questions or comments.  Best wishes for a good weekend!

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