City of Edinburgh Council to consider Custom House feasibility report

The City of Edinburgh Council will consider a feasibility report on the future of Custom House at its Culture and Communities Committee meeting due to be held on Tuesday 26 April 2022.

The report being laid before Councillors in the name of Paul Lawrence, the Councils Executive Director of Places guides them towards the future of Customs House being ‘Mixed-use community and creative hub’, which would not be in keeping in with the previously expressed wishes of the Leith community.

We at Leith Links Community Council encourage our community to read the report, and to make their views known to Leith Ward Councillors as soon as possible before the meeting. The Leith Ward Councillors are;

The meeting can be viewed live, or after the event by clicking this link.

The report being considered can be viewed by clicking here.

Coming very soon – Leith Ward virtual hustings

City of Edinburgh Council has now published the official list of candidates who with to be elected to represent Leith Ward at the City Chambers.

Candidates standing are;

  • Scottish Green Party – BOOTH, Chas
  • Scottish Labour Party – FACCENDA, Katrina
  • Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – ISSERI, Jacqueline Mary
  • Independent – MACKENZIE, Andy
  • Alba Party for independence – MCGLYNN, Euan
  • Scottish National Party (SNP) – MCVEY, Adam
  • Scottish Conservative and Unionist – PERCHARD, Teresa
  • Scottish Liberal Democrats – REA, Robin Thomas

We are in the process of reaching out to all candidates with an invite to take part in our virtual hustings and plan to announce full details of the hustings to our community at the weekend.

 

Temporary toilets coming to Leith Links (Again)

You’ll recall that last year City of Edinburgh Council provided temporary toilet facilities on Leith Links – we wrote about it here and here.

Similar facilities will provided again this year, which is good news! No confirmed date for installation has been made know to us but we have been informed by a local Councillor that the timescale will be broadly in line with last years.

The long term future of toilet provision on Leith Links continue to be an aspiration shared by many people across our community, including this Community Council but as yet this is a matter which remains under robust active dialogue.

 

 

 

Additional / improved street lighting for Leith Links?

We have learnt that City of Edinburgh Council took the decision last week to fund street lighting improvements in parks, with a budget of £150,000.

It is clear that citizens across Edinburgh will hoping for some of that funding to be spent in various parks, and it is highly likely the Council officers and Councillors will already have some intentions about which parks will benefit from the cash.

Therefore, if you feel that Leith Links requires additional or improved street lighting, it is important that you make that view known as soon as possible by emailing parks@edinburgh.gov.uk, and also emailing one of the Leith Ward Councillors;

When emailing them it is important that you are specific about your request (for example, just saying the whole of Leith Links is unlikely to receive support but if you identify a particular route through Leith Links that requires lighting for example that may be better received.  You should also say why you feel the additional  or improved lighting is needed perhaps share your feelings when walking through the route currently).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leith Links Community Council voices support for street trading licence application relating to former Police box on Leith Links

A few weeks ago City of Edinburgh Council informed us that it was considering an application it had received from someone seeking a street traders licence in relation to the disused former Police box on Leith Links. Representations in relation to the application could be submitted by any interested party, including our Community Council.

We have not yet been advised whether the application has been granted, or not.

In response to the application we submitted the following representation;


Dear Sir,

Representation relating to Street Traders Licence application 48396.

On 7 December 2021 we were informed by you that a Street Traders License application (48396) relating to the Leith Links Police Box area was being considered, and that representation could be made by 4 January 2022.

Having considered the application notice & site map before us I can advise that Leith Links Community Council SUPPORT this application.

In doing so we offer the following comments;

 

  1. As is customary with civic licensing matters very little information has been made available to this Community Council, or the wider community. As such, it is difficult for the Community Council, or indeed other respondents, to be able to fully understand the situation or fully consider the benefits or implications for our community. We would take this opportunity to encourage City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that on every occasion it engages with our Community Council that it does so meaningfully, and ensures that both parties are privy to any information required in relation to the topic being considered.

 

  1. We understand that it is the intention of the applicant to trade hot & cold drinks and snacks. There are of course number of other businesses trading near the former Police Box, some of whom sell similar products however we do not believe that this application should result in an overprovision, based on the operating hours of nearby businesses which are very different from the proposed trading hours permitted by this application.

 

  1. The Police box has previously attracted vandalism, in the form of both graffiti and fly posting. Since the 1980s is has been well established that graffiti and vandalism, as well as being unsightly, can cause people to feel unsafe and can negatively influence how people conduct themselves in an area with such occurrences. As such we feel that bringing the Police Box into meaningful use will deter any further graffiti & fly posting, but will also provide the prompt removal of any which does occur.

 

  1. Three well used footways converge at the site of the Police Box, where there are also two signalised pedestrian crossings crossing well busy roads. These footways and crossings are used by a wide spectrum of community members, including many who benefit from having the publicly owned footway kept clear of obstructions. The Council should appropriately monitor the locus for any such obstructions, and have in place provision to deal with any such non permitted encroachments promptly and effectively. It should also be noted that due to the close proximity of two schools, there are often children using the pavement in front of the applicants site to make to their way to and from school.

 

  1. The business operations of the Police Box should not encroach onto the common good land of Leith Links, in example the grassed areas or the footpaths within. This should include not using the greenspace for the storage or any other positioning of refuse, stock, tables and chairs etc.

 

  1. It is likely that a large number of Police Box patrons will carry their purchased goods into the Leith Links greenspace for consumption. We are concerned that this could generate additional waste, which may be in significant amounts, especially during periods of sunny and or hot weather. As such we would ask that consideration is given as to whether there is enough litter bin capacity within Leith Links, or whether there are additional litter bins needed, and also whether current litter bins require to be moved position within the greenspace. We would request that appropriate monitoring takes place over coming months, particularly during hot and or sunny weather periods.

 

  1. As the Police Box is located directly adjacent to a busy road, near a junction, the operator should take appropriate steps to ensure that no vehicle servicing the Police Box, such as the operator, their staff or suppliers utilise the pavement or roadway in such a way so as to cause a nuisance or safety risk whilst parking or loading/unloading, including ensuring that no such vehicle mounts of the footpath or greenspace. Consideration should be given by the Council as to whether the current yellow lines are appropriate or whether it requires to take further measures to make them enforceable, and of course regular monitoring of this location should take place.

 

  1. Leith Links can generally be described as a busy and well used greenspace, for a variety of purposes. Visitor numbers can grow considerably during periods of significant sunshine & heat, and during organised events such as Leith Festival Gala Day. It is our view that it is important that appropriate visitor amenities are provided within the Leith Links greenspace area such as adequate litter bin provision, toilet facilities and seating. The provision of drinks & snacks being available from the Police Box we will add to the visitor experience in a positive manner.

 

  1. We are aware that in November and December 2021 the applicant has undertaken business activity at the locus, similar to that for which the license is sought, without any complaints or concerns being raised with us.

 

  1. Council waste bins provided in Leith Links, and in the streets adjacent to the Police Box are provided for non-commercial usage, as such the applicant will require to have in place their own trade waste removal arrangements. We would seek to request that all trade waste is kept off the greenspace or public footway at all times. And that should trade waste be left on a pavement for collection that the business has in place proper arrangements to keep control of such waste to ensure that it is not unsightly or becomes scattered across the footpath or greenspace. Where such refuse becomes scattered, either by seagulls or misdemeanour of passing persons, that the applicants assumes full responsibility and clears any such debris promptly and without any costs being incurred by the local authority.

 

  1. We would suggest and encourage the applicant to minimise the use of disposable and single use packaging where at all possible.

 

  1. The locus is adjacent to busy roads, no doubt there are fumes being produced by many of the vehicles using those roads which may render seating at those locations as being unpleasant, however the level of exposure would not be greater than a person standing at the nearest bus stops, as such we have no serious concerns relating to this matter, and view this as a matter of choice for the patrons themselves to consider whether they may use of such a facility or not.

 

  1. We would encourage the City of Edinburgh Council to include this applicant, as well as other businesses operating within or very nearby to Leith Links to be considered stakeholders and to be consulted/notified of planned events on Leith Links as well as be involved in any discussions about the future of Leith Links.

 

We hope that you, and any other appropriate City of Edinburgh Council colleagues will read, consider and record our comments, and where appropriate undertake any necessary follow up activity.

It would be of interest to us to be notified of the outcome of your deliberations, such as whether the license is granted, and any applicable terms & conditions which would apply.

Should you wish to discuss this response with our Community Council please do not hesitate to contact Community Councillor Sally Millar, Secretary, by emailing contact@leithlinkscc.org.uk.


 

 

 

 

 

A New Years message

A New Year message from Gail Clapton, Vice Chairperson of Leith Links Community Council;

 

Sadly 2021 has been a difficult year for many people in Leith and beyond, and our thoughts go out to all those who have faced hardship and the loss of loved ones throughout the pandemic.

Unfortunately, moving into the New Year of 2022 sees us under similar restrictions as this time last year so perhaps not ‘the times they are a changing’ just yet.

Many have faced having to adapt to working from home with little or no direct interaction with their work colleagues other than online.  Not ideal but perhaps a safe approach. Similarly, Leith Links Community Council has continued with Zoom calls and it has been encouraging to see more people joining in and it would be good to see that participation continue whether online or in person, when that option returns to us.

It is to be hoped that as more medical advances are made we can meet the current setback as we have other challenges in the past.

So Leithers, lets Persevere, and head into 2022 with high hopes for a light at the end of this long tunnel.

With sincere good wishes to all for a happier and healthier New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

A festive message

A festive message from Jim Scanlon MBE, Chairperson of Leith Links Community Council;

 

Last Christmas we ended our message hoping that Christmas 2021 would be better.

You may not believe it but things have got better. Since last year the vaccine programme has been successful with most of the population double jabbed and have had or waiting to get the booster.

Unfortunately with this new wave of the virus we have to be careful when going out but if we’re sensible you can still enjoy Christmas with your family. Test test test before you meet up to protect yourself and others.

We are all having to learn to live with this virus to survive and have a reasonable life in this “new” normal.

Remember all those people who you all plan to phone and never do? Why not take the time to call one or two. I can guarantee they’ll appreciate it and you could feel better.

On behalf of the Community Council I hope you all have a peaceful and safe festive period.

 

 

 

 

Leith Connections: Public meetings to be held in relation to Leith Low Traffic Neighbourhood and segregated cycle route between the Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal

City of Edinburgh Council have today published full details of their two planned virtual public meetings about Leith Connections.

The virtual public meetings are not mentioned on the leaflets currently circulating in our community so please do help us to spread the word.

Meetings will be held on the following dates & times;

If you are unable to go to one of the meetings due to them being fully booked please email anna.mcrobbie@aecom.com to register your interest in attending as they may hold further meeting/s.

Leith Links Community Council would encourage you to fully participate in the Leith Connections consultation by filling in the project teams online survey and attending one of the public meetings.

 

 

Public meeting information from Eventbrite website:

Join the project team to discuss the concept designs and proposed interventions of the Leith Low Traffic Neighbourhood

About this event

We are hosting public co-design workshops so that residents can share their views and help inform the designs of the Leith Low Traffic Neighbourhood. In these sessions we aim to:

  • gain local insight into the study area
  • listen to community feedback on the proposals
  • involve the community in helping to develop the designs
  • provide background to the project
  • raise awareness of the project and its objectives
  • summarise engagement and data findings to date

The first session will be held on Wednesday 23rd June and the second on Thursday 1st July. Both sessions will be held between 6.30pm-8pm.

Further details on how to access the meeting will be issued along with an information pack in advance of the meeting upon registration.

 

Scottish Parliament elections 2021: Online hustings opportunities to meet & question candidates

With the Scottish Parliament election campaign well underway there are two hustings which we are promoting for those who live in the Leith Links Community Council area.

 

If you are not sure which consistency you live in you can find out by typing your postcode into the Scottish Parliament website by clicking here.

 

Edinburgh Northern and LeithThe Broughton Spurtle have organised a hustings which is being held on Tuesday 20 April 2021. Click here for more information.

Edinburgh Eastern – Portobello Community Council have organised  a hustings which is being held on Wednesday 28 April 2021. Click here for more information.

 

 

Useful links:

A New Years message from Leith Links Community Council

This time last year when we watched television reports of a new virus in China followed by people being trapped on cruise ships and then as it progressed through Italy. Even at that point I don’t think it sunk in that within months we would be under similar lockdowns. Like many other people I was sent home from my job in March and from May I have had to learn to work from home.

I don’t like it as I miss the social interaction with colleagues but importantly I’m safe, healthy and employed.

As Chair of Leith Links Community Council I’m extremely proud of our team of community councillors who adapted quickly to the changing ways we had to engage with the community.

From March we moved to having our meetings on line using Zoom and then Teams so we could continue to work on issues where we have an input including areas like planning and Seafield Sewage plant.

It’s been a difficult year for members of our community and on behalf of Leith Links CC I wish to say our thoughts are with you if you have lost love ones as a result of this pandemic or have found yourself unemployed through no fault of your own.

The discovery of new vaccines which have been produced in record time give us some hope that next year we may see the return of some normality in our lives and be able to meet up again with friends and family.

I hope that 2021 is good to you but for the time being please stay safe.

Community Councillor Jim Scanlon MBE
Chair of Leith Links Community Council

1 2