Currie Community Council

June 1999 Meeting

Blinkbonny Section

Mr Weir of Blinkbonny spoke to the council about his plan to set up a visitor centre and rare breeds farm on his land in Blinkbonny. This would be a major initiative, eventually bringing in up to 100 000 visitors annually. As well as keeping a local farm viable, three full time and a number of seasonal and part-time jobs would be created and a major educational resource made available locally. No decision has been taken yet, and the council will need to be satisfied with arrangements for traffic and parking before supporting the scheme. As always, views are welcome.

Blinkbonny Park

No playground swings, goal posts etc have been installed because there is a view that the bing the park sits on is toxic, although this is disputed.

Lead Pipes

Amazing though it seems in 1999, many houses in Blinkbonny get water their through lead pipes. Mr Mark Tully, Director of Housing, may be the person to contact if householders have questions about this.

Roads

Mr John Gill, Network Manager South, is to be congratulated on the speedy work of his department in restoring the road signs in Currie.

No funding is available for the pedestrian lights at Dolphin Avenue. There will eventually be double yellow lines at the top of Riccarton Mains Road, but 3 months will be allowed for objections after the Order is published.

Police

There were two break-ins to cars locally and a theft of a Sierra from the railway station (later recovered). Further representations will be made to try and obtain more security for cars left by rail passengers. A group of 11 young people were detained at the rear of Veitch's premises and two later charged with possession of cannabis.

Moves Afoot

The Health Development Project may move into Riccarton Primary School.

The fire brigade are confident the Water of Leith will be a sufficient water source for putting out any nearby fire.

Tarmacking over part of the George V Park is being investigated, including a look at the terms of the original grant of land. The work done on restoring the park was carried out by the fairground operator, but has not yet gained the approval of the Parks Department.

Provost Haugh

The Chair of Provost Haugh Residents' Association has been co-opted to the Community Council.

Graham Dane
Chair