Dear All
I’ve delayed this Update, so I can share with you the Porty Podcast on the subject (see below) but the very best of news this week is that the community led bid from Portobello Central has succeeded in becoming the preferred bidder to enable the re-opening of Portobello Town Hall, as we edge towards full community ownership. This is how it was covered in the Edinburgh Evening News ahead of the decision: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/d-day-set-for-portobello-town-hall-as-edinburgh-councillors-decide-its-fate-3239974?amp
and on Edinburgh Live after the finance and resources committee of the Council approved the officer recommendation to go with Portobello Central: https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-locals-rejoice-portobello-town-20643838.
It fits very well with the Councils wish to support ‘20 minute neighbourhoods’ of which Portobello has to be good example already, but could be even better. See what that means ere: https://www.rtpi.org.uk/research/2021/march/20-minute-neighbourhoods/
Following the ease of lock down, and some effective local campaigning, Bath Street toilets are re-opening on Monday 31 May.
Council is operating Asymptomatic Test Centres (ATCs) to as part of the overall public health measures to target community spread of the COVID virus. The ATC will be at Craigmillar Library from Monday 24 May to Sunday 30 May operating between 9am and 6pm. Infection rates are still higher in the wider Craigmillar and Niddrie area than in many other parts of Edinburgh, people are encouraged to come forward again for a rapid test. The centre is open in Craigmillar Library from 9am to 6pm from Monday 23 May to Sunday 30 May. There will be no library services from Craigmillar Library during this time. Testing is free, fast and safe. There’s no need to book and it will only take around 15 minutes to take the test and 45 minutes to get the results. Almost 1 in 3 people infected with Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but could pass on the virus to family and friends without knowing it. By getting tested, people can find out if they are positive and self-isolate at home to stop the spread.You can find out more about community testing on our web pages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitytesting
It’s very welcome indeed that in response to ongoing problems with illegal parking and cars using the ‘school streets’ during school hours, Duddingston Primary and St John’s Primary School parent councils and school communities are working together to tackle the problems. They are putting out a survey next week to parents/carers of both schools and gathering everyone’s views on road safety concerns. This feedback will inform the ‘Park Smart’ campaign which is a pupil-led campaign being run by both schools.
The rebuilt Portobello Kiln is open this weekend and next with artist Jenny Pope’s ‘heat. work. done.’ new installation. Open 11am-4pm. More here: https://www.artwalkporty.co.uk/
I love it when you can recognise the qualities of cherished places in the stories you read. Here is Portobello Book Blog guest author on how that cane about for her:
And last, but not least, three of the successful Portobello Central community bid team talk to David Calder in this week’s Porty Podcast about the future of our Portobello Town Hall: Click here and enjoy! https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622/8562688?fbclid=IwAR151-nDNUGqr5VsRlk1Aqa01P_dyON8PfzhXG_IZAafNsh4i7yyWG3i1II
Have a good weekend!
Maureen