Transport
Messrs Gordon Boyd and Tom Clarke from Edinburgh Transportation
Department gave an update on all the traffic changes being implemented
in Currie. The builder of the houses at "Poet's Mill"
(shouldn't that be Provost's Haugh"?) will be providing two
traffic islands, by the Jet Garage and by the Scout Hut. The Bus stop
on the north of Lanark Road West will be moved close to the footpath
through to Nether Currie Road. Riccarton Mains Road will have limited
stay parking, the car park in Kirk Gate will be upgraded, though not
extended at present, and 12 bays marked in it. Traffic Regulation
Orders will restrict parking around Riccarton and Curriehill Primary
Schools and will be considered if any problem is reported near other
schools. The current "deceleration lane" of Lanark Road
West outside Victoria wine and other shops at the Bryce Road junction
will be replaced by a lay-by, with a maximum of 20 minutes parking
permitted. This restriction will also apply to the parking spaces
outside the shops round the corner.
From October 1998 parking will be decriminalised. "Parking Attendants" will levy "Penalty Charges" of 40.00 for failing to comply with parking restrictions, but a 50% discount will be allowed for prompt payment. These arrangements are open to comment.
The traffic lights at the Hermiston end of Riccarton Mains Road appear to have been paid for by Heriot-Watt University. A flooded drain on Riccarton Mains Road was cleared only 3 hours after being reported, even though it was a Sunday - a good service by any standards.
Safety
Community and voluntary groups are invited to bid for funds under the
Community Safety Projects scheme. Grants of up to 5000 are available
for various proposals. One example given was installation of an entry
phone system.
Police report In December there were 3 housebreakings and 1 break in to a business. In one of these a neighbour alerted the police and an arrest was made and goods recovered. A motor cycle stolen from Blinkbonny has not been recovered and nor has a bicycle stolen from Curriehill. In Hermiston 4 cars were broken into in the early hours of the morning.
The 1997 report by HM Inspector of Constabulary on Lothian and Borders Police states that crime is falling in the force's area and significant progress has been made in crime management. Criminal diversion of prescribed methadone is seen as a worrying trend, however.
Currie Community High School 200 courses are being advertised locally and every effort is being made to maximise community use of the new facilities. The school is certainly keeping faith with all the pledges they made and we can have every confidence that future developments will be of equal benefit to local people. Various local bodies are being invited in to view and sample what is on offer. Currie Community Council will hear a presentation from the Currie Community Sports Trust at 7 pm on Monday 9 February. Like all Community Council meetings, this is open to the public.
Plans are proceeding to sell the piece of land off Dolphin Gardens East in order to finance the City Council's contribution to the Sports Hall project.
The Curriehill Strip has been cleared again, paths relaid and dead elms removed. In recognition of the school's long environmental record, Scottish Gas will launch their Powersavers Competition there with a visit by David Bellamy on 28 January.
Environment
The Water of Leith Trust have appointed a project manager who will
submit proposals to the City Council soon. Current thinking favours a
hard, durable surface on the walkway and trial panels will be laid to
assess users' reaction. There is consciousness of appearance and a
wish to avoid the "black scar" many people fear.
The trunk sewer along the Water of Leith is to be repaired and realigned.
Planning
A snooker hall is planned for Pentland View Court.
The owners of 13 Bryce Road are appealing against refusal to allow a hot food carry out.
Health
The Community Care Report has been received for consultation. Brenda
McGovern will be pleased to hear any comments on this.
At present only George V Park is on the list of dog-free areas, but this is subject to consultation.
Graham Dane Press Officer