Currie Community Council

June 1998 meeting

George V Park
"The City Council are confident the ground at George V Park will be strong enough to support the fairground rides when they arrive, even if it rains," I wrote last month, reporting what had been said at the Community Council meeting. The City Council were plainly wrong, and even though the organiser of the fair will be required to pay a hefty sum for the clearing up, the shows will not be on that spot again. It is said that the 1000 bond deposited was barely enough to cover the cost of cleaning the mud off the roadway. Can anyone suggest a better site?

Planning
The Gibson Craig Hall is to be considerably enlarged, behind the present hall.
The empty shop in Bryce Road will not be decorated, so will continue to be an eyesore. Anyone who spots graffiti or spray painting being added should contact the police at once.
Businesses at Kinleith Mill have received notice to leave the premises. This is very disturbing, as it will mean loss of jobs locally. Any plans to build houses on the site will be vigorously opposed.

Police Report
The list of thefts and housebreakings was mercifully short this month again, although obviously distressing to those affected. The back door of a house was forced and 40 worth of goods stolen, the Bowling Club was broken into in the middle of the night, a garage in Weavers Knowe Crescent was entered and 76 worth of goods removed, 400 of damage was done to a Renault car and two other cars were broken into in Forth View Crescent. The police will be concentrating on under age drinking and speeding in the coming months.
Police have the power to confiscate drink and contact parents of under age young people, but find some of the parents unsympathetic, even when their children are brought home drunk. Police are collecting evidence with a view to prosecuting anyone breaking the law in this area.
Fifty drivers were stopped last month and warned about their speed. All the local officers have been trained in the use of hand held radar guns, which caught one delinquent doing 54 mph at the Currie boundary recently.

Gordon Browne
Friends of Gordon, council secretary for many years and the current treasurer, will be sorry to learn that he has been ill in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Transport
A deputation of residents from Easter Currie Place and Bryce Crescent complained about the state of the pavements in parts of Currie. On several occasions recently, they had been ashamed of the poor condition of the paths when visitors had been present. The council agreed fully and will lobby the City Council to have improvements made.
Work should start on Gillespie Road in June and be finished by August.

Education
The new facilities at Currie Community High School have now been officially opened. Improvements are still continuing, notably to the area at the front of the school. The school roll should rise slowly towards 900, an ideal size, now the maximum intake has been increased.

Flower Tubs
Harry Duncan and Dave Bertram do sterling work making the village bloom every year, but could do with a little help. Would anyone be willing to 'adopt' a tub near where they live - watering would be especially appreciated. Phone 449 4236 for details.

Environment
With the aid of the Edinburgh Green Belt Trust, work has begun on preparing a map of this area showing walks and places of interest. If anyone has suggestions for historic buildings or paths of scenic beauty these will be very welcome: phone 538 1681 and speak to Gerry McPherson.

Pentland Medical Centre
Work is scheduled to start in August to add another storey to the building, including a lift for use by disabled people. Chiropody and physiotherapy will be within the new build and the present hut will no longer be needed.

Graham Dane
Press Officer