Dear All

This was a week of emails, walks and visits to wish people to discuss overgrown trees, inconsiderate parking and blocked drains.

My offer is always open for me to walk down your street for a socially distanced chat as part of my Kiltwalk challenge or just as a normal part of my day job.  I am about to walk to Eastfield and back this afternoon, meeting up with a constituent for a meeting up session. Do let me know and we can arrange a time and place to meet face to face.  I am challenging myself to walk at least 7km a day round the streets of Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) over the next two weeks until the Virtual Kiltwalk 2020 weekend (11-13 September when I plan to do the full circuit of the Ward 17 boundary.  Please feel free to use the link to sponsor me in a great cause – keeping me fit and well, meeting more of our 30,000 local constituents and supporting the Thistle. Every little helps!  More here: https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-3.

This week, I walked some local streets in Brunstane, Durhams, Bingham, Fishwives Causeway, Newcraighall and parts of Niddrie Mill, Greendykes, Hays – and it was Craigmillar again on Sunday.  I had a very nice wander in woods to the south of Craigmillar Castle trying to locate one south west corner of Edinburgh’s fabulous Ward 17.  Later I found out on the news that a body had been discovered thereabouts, a couple of hours before I got there.  That did explain the police presence at the nearby recycling centre and the reason the facility was closed to the public for a couple of days.  

And so the Police Scotland week continued!  Police officers in wet suits were spotted searching Figgate Pond this week and there is lots of speculation amongst us Figgy Park lovers. We might well wonder what they were looking for, but the NE Commander Gill Geany says the search is “in connection with an ongoing investigation.” She was unable to comment further for operational reasons.  The main thing is her reassurance that there is no ongoing incident and no wider risk to the public.

Several people have commented to me about ‘algal bloom’ on the surface of Figgate Pond over the last few months  This is duck weed and a source of food for water birds and oxygen for the ponds and shade (when we do get sun!) for pond life below.  https://www.google.com/search?q=duckweed Unlike the blue-green algae of previous year, duck weed not harmful to dogs or humans, only a wee bit invasive. It might be a sign that fewer people are polluting the pond with too much bread and we are mostly feeding the swans, geese and ducks the right things like sweetcorn, porridge oats, lettuce and peas.  Better for the birds and for the pond itself.

The Portobello Ferris wheel opened for business on Monday following Scottish Government guidelines which eased restrictions on amusements.  There was an article in the Evening News which quotes the operator, including his phrase: “… the local Councillor has been instrumental in getting the decision overturned…”  This is factually incorrect. Not one of the four local Councillors supported the wheel being or remaining at Pipe Street.  The decision was not overturned. The temporary licence was originally granted in error, without any reference to those of us who knew this would be controversial and would have opposed it. Only the Council’s interpretation of the Scottish Government Covid-19 restrictions stopped the ride operating for the full 28 days.  It can no longer operate legally after this weekend.  https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/council/portobello-wheel-planned-become-annual-seaside-attraction-2950491. Personally, I want it down and long gone from Pipe Street, even although it does looks pretty spectacular and photogenic from afar.

After two successful informal meetings, Portobello Community Council are having a formal meeting this Monday with members of the public invited. The meeting agenda with joining instructions are here: http://www.portobellocc.org/pccpn/2020/08/25/august-2020-agenda/

You have just over a week left to sign up for the Council’s garden waste scheme for the service running for the year from 8 November 2020.  The deadline is 2pm on 9 September.  All details here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Our Edinburgh Ward 17 covers quite an expanse of ground including Little France and Craigmillar Parks and the Bioquarter next to the Hospital.  More about what happens at the Bioquarter and how they are linked into the wonderful neighbouring community of Craigmillar here: https://mailchi.mp/5eed26c65675/bioquarter-bulletin-august-2020-your-regular-news-round-up-5064661?e=58e32db208

Have a great weekend!

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child