February 2024 news from Councillor Neil Ross

Braidburn Terrace/Braid Road/Comiston Road

Works continue with the Braidburn Terrace project and the inevitable disruption caused to pedestrians and road users is, of course, regrettable. Switching off the traffic lights at Greenbank Drive is especially problematic with the only safe route for children going to school involving a lengthy diversion via the other side of the main road or Braidburn Terrace and Greenbank Place. After hearing concerns from local residents about the proposed one lane exit from Greenbank Crescent, I asked the Council to review their plans and I understand that the current two lane exit will be retained. I expect some overnight closures of the junction this month when the road is to be resurfaced – look out for notices. Hopefully we will be nearing the end by that point. The plans are available here.

Draft plans for the old Post Office site

Morningside Community Council recently heard a presentation by the new owners of the old post office site. They would like to build a boutique hotel, containing ground floor restaurant and bar, first floor coffee shop and bakery and a rooftop garden and bar plus 13 bedrooms. Further details from the presentation are available on the community council website here.

Proposals coming in March on Greenbank/Meadows cycle route

The results of the survey on the Greenbank/Meadows cycle route are expected to be presented to the Transport Committee on 7 March. A further six-month consultation will follow to gather the views of residents on whatever changes are agreed. 

Still more about bin hubs

Bin Hubs continue to be a regular source of complaint in my Council inbox. I am aware of further changes to bin hub locations following reviews by Bin Hub project officers but only where alternative locations meet the Council’s revised criteria. I understand consultation is still on-going in Zone 8 and South Morningside under the TRO process.  Further information is available here. Click on the zone in the map to see proposed bin hub locations. To raise specific concerns direct with the Bin Hub team, please contact waste@edinburgh.gov.uk

New Parking rules in force

New parking rules with penalties are now in force to ban parking on pavements, double parking and parking at dropped kerb crossing points.  More information, including penalty charges, is available here.

The Council wants to hear your views on –

Workplace parking levy - closes 6 February

Libraries Strategy – closes 19 April

Two consultations on climate-related plans – one on energy efficiency for buildings and heat network zones (closes 3 March) and the other is the draft Climate Ready Edinburgh plan (closes 7 April).

Budget Preparations

I am currently very busy with preparations for the Council's Budget. The SNP/Green Scottish Government has declared a council tax freeze, which they intend to fund by taking money out of our budget! The Council now faces an extraordinary financial squeeze, with less money than last year and acute pressures on social care services, threats of closure of swim centres and sports facilities and further cuts to schools. I’ll let you know how we get on after the budget debate on 22 February.