Currie Community Council
November 1998 - January 1999 Meetings
Transport
The recent meeting with Councillor Begg had produced the interesting
information that bus journeys were now quicker and bus use had
increased considerably in the last year. Transport Convener Jim
McCraith reported the estimate that the proposed Cala development
would add a mile and a quarter of vehicles to the peak time traffic
queue.
The Council is appealing for a direct bus link between Currie and St
John's Hospital. We invite residents to contact the Director of City
Development of the City of Edinburgh Council to support this campaign.
Currie Community High School
The number of users of community facilities at the school has doubled
since last year, showing local people's appreciation in the most
direct way. Head Teacher Eric Melvin reported on many developments
and also concern with the newly planted trees to the south of the
all-weather pitch, which shed their leaves in autumn. The school is
investigating replacing them with evergreens.
Litter
There is still a litter problem between the shop in Dolphin Avenue and
the High School. Businesses have been co-operating in finding
solutions, but more needs to be done. The Community Council will
press for more bins to be provided.
Millennium
Ideas suggested so far have been a bronze model of Currie, similar to
the one of Edinburgh Castle at the foot of The Mound, or an Adventure
Playground at Hermiston - or, of course, both.
Police
A break-in at Kirk House, a cycle stolen from Dolphin Avenue, cars
broken into in various parts of Currie and a car stolen from Lanark
Road West made up the bulk of recent reports.
Environment
The operators of Kaimes Quarry landfill site gave a presentation which
was well received. Searching questions were asked about transport and
visual impact and the informative answers showed a high level of
awareness of environmental issue on the part of Greenways Waste
Management.
The issue of tarmacking the Water of Leith walkway has arisen again.
The Council felt this would be less satisfactory for walkers and
horses, and might encourage cyclists to speed up. The severe and
repeated flooding at Blinkbonny is to be raised with the City
Council.
Planning
Details are awaited with interest of the possible Film Studio
development on Green Belt land between Heriot-Watt University and the
city by-pass. We are very concerned at the loss of three out of the
four shops in Dolphin Avenue and would welcome ideas on how to stem
this loss to Currie. This tied in with Archie Clark's suggestion, as
a member of the public, that a local plan should give priority to
providing local employment over building houses for incoming
commuters.
Graham Dane
Chair