Dear All
Another week, another set of issues to try and deal with; some with progress, others less so. A snail-like progress on Kings Place. A decision will hopefully be taken today on making it one of the areas where changes will be made to make active travel though the area safer and that might mean some owners move caravans. The longer term plan, which would include removing all vehicles, will take longer and more work to remove or satisfy objections.
The hot topic of the Ferris Wheel has cooled down, for now. The licence has been suspended because of the COVID-19 restrictions still in force. I am told there is a legal power to revoke a licence, but this cannot be used unless there is some failure on the part of the licence holder. And the legislation gives a 28 day period before any such decision would take effect.
I picked this article up – on how to spot when someone is drowning – from social media this week and am sharing it as widely as possible. Many hardy people enjoy wild swimming off Portobello beach, so this is particularly important for us to know about. Click here: https://slate.com/technology/2013/06/rescuing-drowning-children-how-to-know-when-someone-is-in-trouble-in-the-water.html
It’s good to see construction is starting again, especially on affordable homes programmes and some completions have come through in Craigmillar with keys handed over. Click here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/12940/first-new-affordable-homes-completed-since-lockdown
This might be an interesting process to take part in: https://lovelocal.scot/public-invited-to-give-views-on-the-future-of-scotlands-towns/
Edinburgh’s Road Police carried out speed enforcement on Seaview Terrace in Joppa this week, a road frequently by cyclists accessing East Lothian and we often get complaints about. One driver was stopped for driving at 43mph in the 30mph zone. Driver got 3 points on their licence and a £100 fine.
This was national allotments week with lots of activities taking place. Click here: https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news-events-campaigns/national-allotments-week/
Keep Scotland Beautiful help is with raising awareness of our beaches and with community clean ups, which a lot of us take part in. Click here: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/local-environmental-quality/my-beach-your-beach/become-a-my-beach-your-beach-business/
I loved this life-affirming story about our very own Rev Bill Wishart in the Edinburgh Evening News. Bill has been among several towers of strength for residents, mostly in Magdalen and Bingham neighbourhoods. Click here: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/edinburgh-kirk-minister-and-amateur-magician-turns-detective-find-stolen-phone-2941188
Our household now has a cargo bike, second had but it looks pretty new and shiny to me. OK, it was my own Big Birthday Present, but I am prepared to share with family, friends and neighbours. We have taken advice on how to keep it safe from thieving hands, and a few more tips are here: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53567919
Finally, thank you very much all who have already kindly sponsored me for the Kiltwalk in aid of The Thistle Foundation. The virtual 2020 walk is being held 4 weeks today. We charity walkers are making up our own challenges this year and I have decided to walk every street in Ward 17, from now until then, and finish by walking right around the edge of Portobello/Craigmillar Ward. Link to my story and fundraising page is here: https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-3. I’ve already walked and logged about 30 kilometres in parts of Portobello, Joppa, Durhams, Chriistians and Hamiltons. Not all in one go, of course! If you want to see me for a socially distanced visit down your way, do let me know! I have a visit planned to Niddrie Marischal soon.
Have a great 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