New Council
At the first meeting of the new Council, I’m delighted to say we voted for a Lib Dem Lord Provost. Councillor Robert Aldridge was appointed unanimously. Read more here. When it came to running our city, Liberal Democrat councillors voted for the best chance of change. Backing a Labour minority administration was not an easy decision. But the alternative was 5 more years of the same from the SNP group. We think our citizens deserve better than that and it’s why our communities elected so many more Lib Dem councillors. We’ll sit as a robust but constructive opposition party and vote on an issue by issue basis. There have been no deals, no agreements, and Labour have been told they can’t take our votes for granted. More information and details of appointments are here.
Bus Service changes from 5 June
Lothian Buses are introducing changes on 5 June which include improvements to service frequency for the number 11 on Saturdays and Sundays and improved frequency at the afternoon peak times for the number 36, along with added evening journeys. In other changes, the number 10 will terminate at Bonaly and the number 16 will run to Torphin instead with increased frequency on Saturdays and Sundays. More information is available here.
Canal Festival and Raft Race
It’s great to see the return of the Canal Festival, after a three year break, and the popular raft race. Organised by the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, a varied programme of events spread over six locations will take place on Saturday 18 June. More information (and excitement!) here.
Young Person’s Free Bus Travel
Since January there has been a low take-up of the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel scheme (‘under-22s bus pass’). Reportedly only about 50% of Edinburgh’s 5 to 15 year olds have the Pass. Applications can be made here.
Astley Ainslie Community Trust
The AAC Trust will soon become a charity following its recent SGM giving it greater scope to raise funds to react to future Astley Ainslie site plans. The annual progress report is available on the AACT website here. NHS Lothian has issued a draft Strategic Development Framework suggesting the sale of the AAH site is expected soon.
Plans for 7 Flats at 64-68 Morningside Drive
Plans have been submitted for 7 flats on the site of the nursery at 64-68 Morningside Drive. Permission was given not that long ago for three town houses. You can view the plans (ref. 22/01916/FUL) and comment here. The deadline for comments is Friday 3 June.
Questions on Trees
Several local residents have raised questions about trees, either about permission for tree work or that a tree should be protected. The Council has a map of all protected trees with tree preservation orders (TPOs) here. If you want to do work to a protected tree or to a tree in a Conservation area, you can apply for permission here. If tree works are underway without permission, you can report it to the Council via planningtrees@edinburgh.gov.uk
