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Southside Community Council





Minutes of 58th meeting, held on Wednesday 13 September 2006, from 7pm - 9pm in the Nelson Hall, 5 Spittalfield Crescent, Edinburgh.

Abbreviations used ASCC = Association of Scottish Community Councils; CEC = The City of Edinburgh Council; CYP = Canongate Youth Project; EACC = Edinburgh Association of Community Councils; HMO = House(s) in Multiple Occupation; LA = Licence Application; LDC = Local Development Committee; L&BP = Lothian & Borders Police; LHC = Late Hours Catering; PA = Planning Application; SCC = Southside Community Council; SE = Scottish Executive; SP = Scottish Parliament; and other initials = members of the SCC, as below.

PRESENT - Chairperson: Robert Beaton {RB}; Elected Members: Colin Christison (Secretary) {CC}, Linda Hendry (Vice Chairperson) {LH}, Hilary McDowell {HM}, Jo Scott {JS}, and Justine Stansfield (Treasurer) {JSt}; Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Margaret Bagan {MB}, Idris Bozyil {IB}, Mary Devine {MD}, Liz Mulligan {LM}, Kathleen Newis {KN}and George Pitcher {GP}; Co-opted Members: Jean Downie {JD}, Carol McHugh {CMcH}, and Claire Macgregor (Tree Warden) {CM}; Lothian & Borders Police: PC Alastair Mackenzie: Members of the Public: Two.

1. Welcome, and apologies for absence

Robert Beaton welcomed those present to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Robert Hodgart, Keith Smith, Cllr Bill Cunningham, and Sarah Boyack MSP.

2. Police Report

PC Mackenzie gave a brief report. He said that it was reassuring that crime rates were falling and detection rates were rising locally, although there had been some break-ins to businesses in South Clerk Street. It appeared that ASBOs were working. New students would be given information leaflets, and cycling on pavements or without lights had been targeted. Following slight changes to divisional boundaries, there would some new personnel in the area. Manning levels were discussed. There were some questions including the problem of persistent noise in Dumbiedykes, raised by LM, who also felt that there was a reduction in policing to the area.

3. Minutes of meeting of 14 June 2006

Approved; proposed by JS, and seconded by MD.

4. Matters arising

4.1 (Item 6.3) Derek Christie had resumed his role as webmaster for the SCC.
4.2 (Item 6.4) The annual subscription to the Cockburn Association has been paid.
4.3 (Item 6.7) Broadband had been installed in the Nelson Hall. It was agreed to purchase a laptop computer for use by office bearers and members of the SCC, on the strict understanding that it would not be removed from the Nelson Hall. The Scottish Widows’ Fund would be approached for a donation towards the cost, and an LDC grant application would be made if required.
4.4 (Item 7.2) JSt and LH had now joined JS as signatories of the bank account.
4.5 (Item 10.2) It was noted that the overflow at Buccleuch Pend had not been repaired.
4.6 (Item 10.3) Work on the construction of the Magnet playground in the East Meadows would start on 23 September 2006.

5. Secretary’s Report

5.1 The Secretary distributed copies of a questionnaire from the City Council’s Community Council Liaison Officer, which requested views on training opportunities for members.

5.2 He said that the memorial bench for the late Robin Cook MP had been unveiled by his son Christopher at the Southside Community Centre on 15 July 2006. The SCC had made a small donation towards the cost of the bench.

5.3 As mentioned above, Derek Christie was again looking after the website, but it appeared from the user statistics which CC received every week that few people were accessing it. An item asking for youth membership would be uploaded to the site.

5.4 The Edinburgh Doors Open Day would be on Saturday 30 September; the Nelson Hall would participate from 10am - 4 pm.

5.5 CC said that on behalf of the SCC, he had registered with the Lothian and Borders Police to receive information from them by e-mail.

5.6 He reminded members that Sarah Boyack MSP would make a short presentation at the October meeting.

5.7 The Scottish Health Council were hoping to recruit volunteers to sit on the Lothian Local Advisory Council. More information from CC.

5.8 Consultations

5.8.1 NHS Lothian - Health and Healthcare of Children and Young People in Lothian; JS would respond.
5.8.2 Scottish Water Survey; HM would read and respond.

5.9 Future Meetings - more information from the Secretary

5.9.1 Community Council Joint Meeting - 14.9.06; RB and JS would attend.
5.9.2 Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership - Older People’s Day - 10.10 06.
5.9.3 Scottish Water - invitation to attend an open day on 24.9.06.
5.9.4 Edinburgh Partnership Meetings on Local Community Planning - 12.10.06, and on Community Engagement - 27.9.06.
5.9.5 ASCC AGM - 14.10.06 in Stirling.
5.9.6 Victim Support Edinburgh AGM - 26.9.06.

5.10 He said that a short article had been prepared for possible inclusion in the September Issue of The Southsider.

6. Treasurer’s Report

6.1 JSt said that the balance as at 17 July 2006 was £472.98. The August bank statement had not arrived.

7. Correspondence

The following items had been received: Inside Letting Issue 8, leaflet from the Fire Brigades’ Union on new risk management plans, confirmation of boundaries for the new multi-member wards, L&BP July and August newsletters, the City Council Leader’s Reports for July and August, the CEC’s Capital Review economic bulletin Issue 17, minutes from Tollcross CC June and August meetings, acknowledgement of the SCC’s response to the City Council’s affordable housing policy, Children and Families Service Improvement Plan 2006-9 Summary, brochure on private renting in Edinburgh, Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links Newsletter Issue 13, the CEC’s Chief Executive’s Annual Report for 2005-6, the Edinburgh Partnership’s August Newsletter, information on the OneCity Trust’s Community Projects Fund, information from the Scottish Community Action Research Fund, and centrepiece, July and August issues.

8. Planning & Licensing Committee Reports

8.1 Planning

8.1.1 Objection lodged to PA to split a room to form two rooms at 26 Newington road - PA refused.
8.1.2 The 2006 Awards for Quality in Planning had been launched.
8.1.3 The Cockburn Association had written to Community Councils in Edinburgh to ask if they shared its view that there were problems with the CEC Planning Portal. More and more plans were being submitted online, and they were concerned that these were hard to read without projection equipment, or printers which could handle A3 paper, and that the availability of paper plans would eventually cease.
8.1.4 PAs had been submitted for Lothian Buses ticket dispensing machines to be sited on the street in various parts of the city centre, including one at Forrest Road, and one at Nicolson Street, next to the gap site which is now being redeveloped. Further information was required but it was thought likely that an objection would be raised on grounds of visual street clutter and as a potential obstacle for the disabled and child pushchair users.
8.1.5 An acknowledgement had been received for the SCC’s response to the draft Local City Plan consultation, which had been made in June.

8.2 Licensing

8.2.1 HMO LAs - 4 had been received since the last meeting.
8.2.2 Objections had been lodged for various LHC LAs in the area.
8.2.3 The City of Edinburgh Licensing Board has considered a request from the CEC to explore options available to regulate or improve standards in relation to the provision of adult dance entertainment in licensed premises, and Community Councils and the Licensing Forum have been invited to comment on the draft policy. JS has contacted the Tollcross and the Old Town CCs.

There was a brief discussion on the impact that the smoking in public places ban (and perhaps the good weather over the summer) was having on the proliferation of tables and chairs outside public houses and cafes.

9. Environmental Issues, and Tree Warden’s Report

9.1 Following the June SCC meeting, and the public meeting on 25 July (see 10.10 below) at which there had been a presentation on the proposals for the redevelopment of Nicolson Square, the Secretary had been informed that there had been some amendments to the scheme. Footway upgrading will be limited to the existing north and east footways, with an additional area of paving at the Elephant & Bagels shop corner. Further paving works may be carried out after traffic conflicts are resolved and the new building completed. Regarding the trees, the snake bark maple will be used as the perimeter species. and a specimen cherry tree planted within the grass area, and multi stem rowans at the seating area. Following this information the Tree Warden obtained detailed information about the trees, and a discussion took place about this, and about the advisability of providing seating within the gardens. It was clear that there are differing views about both issues.

9.2 Liz Mulligan circulated an environmental report, together with some photographs, of issues concerning Dumbiedykes. Street lighting is a priority for community safety, and in spite of funding agreements some time ago for the upgrading of lighting, no work has been carried out. While the residents have been carrying out environmental improvements, and winning prizes in gardening competitions, it is felt that the CEC has not been active in the much required improvements to stairs and paving. An update on the provision of modern television aerials for the low rise properties was expected in a month’s time.

9.3 CM thought that St Patrick Square looked better without the tree which had been damaged in a storm earlier in the year, and hoped that it would not be replaced. The space which it occupied could accommodate the Christmas tree. She also wondered why the trellis fence at St Patrick Square had been repainted, when it was hoped that the square would be upgraded in the near future.

9.4 HM said that she was contacting the council regarding the contradictory advice handed out by ‘Clarence’.

9.5 James Gilmour had copied an email to CC about the appearance of posters on the railings in Holyrood Park Road advertising various venues.

10. Reports from meetings, conferences, and seminars attended

10.1 Canongate Youth Project Management Committee (3 July, 10 July, 4 September) Attended by LH who reported that at the first meeting it had been announced that the provision of subsidised fruit and vegetables for young people had been reintroduced after financial support from the Caledonian Hilton Hotel; at the second meeting discussion about a possible move from the South Bridge Resource Centre to St Ann’s Community Centre was inconclusive; and that draft financial statements were discussed at the third meeting.

10.2 Central Area Housing Board (22 August) GP, JS, who said that there had been a presentation on community repairs (papers available). There is to be a tour by bus to visit current housing projects, and the Board was looking for new projects, although there was uncertainty about how future community planning would impact on the Board’s activities.

10.3 Central LDC (6 September) RB, CC, who said that there had been a presentation on current initiatives by a senior police officer, an update on neighbourhood community planning, and a short presentation from the new leader of the CEC, Cllr Ewan Aitken.

10.4 Edinburgh Partnership - Arts (22 June) RB, JS, who said that theatres and arts venues had been represented at this AGM.

10.5 Community Council Joint Meeting (27 June) RB, CC who reported that this had been a training event on national standards for community engagement - papers are available.

10.6 Community Health Partnership (23 August) JS, who said the agenda and papers are available.

10.7 Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links AGM (19 June) LH, CM, HM, JS. The meeting had been held at the Croquet Pavilion, and was followed by a walkabout to look at some trees in the Meadows.

10.8 Health & Healthcare of Children and Young People in Lothian (4 September) JS, who said that the possible move of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children to Little France had been discussed. Comments on draft proposals are due by the end of September. See 5.8.1 (above).

10.9 NHS Public Partnership Forum (21 August) JS, who reported that this was the first meeting in preparation for the meeting at 10.6 (above)

10.10 Nicolson Square Redevelopment Meeting (25 July) CC, MD, LH, CM, JSt. A public meeting, chaired by Cllr Cairns, on the proposed redevelopment of Nicolson Square, attended by CEC officials, and the appointed developers, with a presentation, maps, plans, and questions and answers. See 9.1 (above).

10.11 Quartermile Community Relations (30 August) HM, JS. There had been a walk around the development site. A number of changes to the original plans had been made, such as the proposed hotel would now be smaller, and in a different place. Discussion about street naming, access to Middle Meadow Walk, damage to the Meadows after drainage work, etc had taken place. Flats would be going on sale off plan.

10.12 South LDC Environmental Forum (6 September) LH, CM, HM, JS. The meeting had been held at the Eric Liddell Centre on the subject of community planning, and new neighbourhood strategy.

10.13 South Side Community Education Centre Management Committee (11 Jul, 8 Aug, 12 Sep AGM) MB, CC, CMcH, JS, KS, JSt. Routine matters such as centre lets and housekeeping had been discussed. Copies of the Annual Report were distributed.

10.14 Southside Association (5 September) MB, CC, MD, CMcH. A talk from a CEC official on 20 mph zones and other traffic management measures had been given, as well as a Police Report.

10.15 Transport Strategy (2 August) LH, JS. A review of previous matters had been discussed, plus a draft street hierarchy, with reference to pedestrians and buses. An environmental assessment is now available.

10.16 University of Edinburgh Community (30 August) RB, LH. Networking meeting with local groups and individuals, and University Management Staff, and the President of the Students’ Association.

11. Any other competent business

11.1 MD said that the next meeting of the Old Town and South Side Crime Prevention Panel would be held on 19 September; guest speaker to be PC Ben Merrick.

11.2 JD expressed concern that there were a number of communal wheelie bins in the Newington area which were not being replaced on their stanchions after being emptied. It was noted that some of the fittings were broken. Some of these bins were being tipped over or moved elsewhere by pranksters.

11.3 JSt mentioned that the CEC now required Community Centres to provide meetings etc participant statistics listing gender, approx. age, and broad profile. (CC had completed the short form during the meeting). She also said that the induction loop system would be in operation for the next meeting.

11.4 MB said that it appeared that a flat roof belonging to one of the back shops of premises in Nicolson Street was being used to provide tented accommodation, and that there were also seats and rubbish on this roof.

11.5 LH said that the Canongate Youth Project had written a letter of support to the Holyrood ICT Centre, and was referring people there for advice on improving their IT skills. The Centre would like a member of the SCC to join its management committee, but as yet have not informed LH of their meetings dates.

12. Open Forum

Caroline Barr mentioned the following subjects: she asked if the Magnet Play area would be accessible to disabled children (Answer - yes); accessibility to the Planning Portal for the disabled (Answer - yes, and it would be moving from Cockburn Street to the new CEC HQ in November); she raised the question of disabled access to dance entertainment bars (Answer - not sure, although there are none in the SCC area); and she wondered when the landscaping around the Crags Sports Centre would be improved. She also mentioned concern about litter in the Innocent Tunnel, although Dr Gilmour thought that it was not too bad as the area was cleaned regularly. She also felt that tables and chairs outside cafes had the beneficial effect of added security, as the patrons could perhaps deter any wrongdoing.

13. Date of next meeting

Wednesday 11 October, from 7pm until 9 pm, in the Nelson Hall.