Fighting for further Leith Walk pavement improvements

Last month, Councillor Caldwell co-hosted a meeting with Council officers, Leith Central Community Council, and the New Town and Broughton Community Council to assess and discuss the issue and results of pavement parking along Leith Walk.

While investigations are underway for additional loading provision and possible physical interventions, he's pleased to report a task-force has been established to go down the length of Leith Walk from March 30th to repair outstanding loose paving stones.

Additionally, the bollards to protect the Elm Row bus stop access and cycle lane should start be installed from March 12th.

Lastly, around 20 utility covers will be fixed and strengthened along the roadway to stop them rattling.

Further updates will be published in due course.

Councillor Caldwell said "Since the completion and opening of the new tram line down Leith Walk in Summer 2022, I’ve pursued a number of outstanding issues on the street on behalf of residents and local businesses, and engaged with disability rights charities about the accessibility of Leith Walk.

While some have been keen to move on to the next big exciting Council project, the local community have been very clear on the serious concerns around pavement accessibility since Leith Walk and Elm Row fully re-opened.

From getting tactile pavements at continuous footways to assist people with sight loss, to plans for re-widening the pavement south of the Pilrig junction, to this task-force securing the loose paving stones, Council officers have worked very constructively with myself, residents, and the community councils along the route and I’m hopeful we can get some more much-needed, positive changes down Leith Walk this year – the high street that serves the most densely populated area in Scotland. 

While it’s not ideal that some things had to be re-done, it’s vital that the accessibility and safety for all pedestrians continues to be pursued, and I believe that’s recognised by the team working hard on it.”