Liberton Primary School Association

The LPSA have launched a new online blog to help keep parents and others up to date with all the happenings from Liberton Primary. If you visit the site you can sign up for email updates about the new school extension, learning and teaching developments, family events and fundraising.

I am sure this new blog will prove to be very useful going forward. Whether you are a parent of  a pupil at the school, or merely an interested local resident, the school is an important part of the community and I would encourage you to keep up with the work of the school association.

You can do so here:  http://libertonprimaryschoolassociation.wordpress.com

 

Walter Scott Avenue

At the recent meeting of the Liberton/Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership, a question was raised regarding the timetable for the re-surfacing of Walter Scott Avenue, which has been in a considerable state of disrepair for some time.

Council Officers have today confirmed that the work has been identified as a priority capital project for the current financial year, with works slated to be carried out in February/March 2014.

Inch Park

Earlier this week I attended a meeting with a number of key local stakeholders, including my fellow Ward Councillors, regarding traffic safety issues at Inch Park, particularly relating to the speed and inconsiderate parking of vehicles.

As a result Council Officers have agreed to look at improving markings on the existing speed humps, parking areas, installation of double yellow lines etc. within a reasonable timeframe.

It also came to light that there exists some interest in the community for the formation of a Friends of Inch Park Group. This would be made up of local residents who are interested in being part of key decision making surrounding the park, including input into the park’s budget etc.

Similar groups exist elsewhere and already do some great work, for example, Friends of St.Katherine’s Park and Friends of Seven Acre Park.

If this is something that you may be interested in then please do get in touch!

Full Council Meeting – Thursday 26th September

This Thursday will see the next full meeting of the Council. As is the norm now, members of the public can watch the whole meeting live online, or indeed catch up and watch online afterwards. I recommend watching with a cuppa in hand!

The agenda can be viewed here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/3104/city_of_edinburgh_council

you can watch online be going here:

http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/ 

People First Scotland

At the Liberton Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership meeting on Tuesday evening, People First delivered a very effective and emotive presentation and video on the issue of Hate Crime in society.

I would highly recommend a visit to their website, where the video portion of the presentation can be watched in full:

www.peoplefirstscotland.org

Alnwickhill Water Treatment Works Update

While an update on the above is featured in my current paper InTouch newsletter, constituents understandably continue to ask me for updates on the future of the former Alnwickhill Water Treatment Works. For those who may not manage to get their hands on my current edition paper newsletter, I can offer the following update:

The Scottish Water board approved the selection of Barratt/CALA as preferred bidders for the development of the now redundant site at Alnwickhill back in the spring. Outline permission is in place and I am in- formed that Baratt/Cala will be doing another stage of consultation with the local community shortly.

Once a full Planning Application has been submitted, more detailed information on the development will become available. The full Application is expected to be lodged before the end of the year. This will also of course provide opportunity for the community to make formal submissions to the planning department

I am aware that many residents have concerns over some aspects of the development and I will continue to monitor progress and keep residents informed on this important issue.

Reminder – Advice Surgeries

I have not one, but two, local advice surgeries tomorrow evening:

Gilmerton Community Centre – 6.00pm -6.30pm

Gracemount Leisure Centre – 6.45pm

If you have any local issues you would like help with, please feel free to pop along and see me – as always, no appointment is necessary!

Community Council elections – why not get involved?

Edinburgh’s 42 Community Councils are seeking nominations.  This includes the Liberton & District Community Council and the proposed new Community Council to cover the Gilmerton & Inch areas.

Community Councils are looking for people from all walks of life to join them. They are non-partisan in nature. The only qualification is you must be over 16 years old and on the electoral roll.

Nominations are welcome from individuals (elected members) as well as community groups (nominated members).  If there are more candidates than places on the community council, an election will be held in that area on 24 October 2013.

The nomination period has started and it closes on Monday 23rd September. If you think you might be interested, contact the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 469 3838

Or visit : http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/820/community_councils_and_assemblies/544/community_councils

For more information on the current workings of the Liberton & District Community Council, visit www.libertondcc.wordpress.com

Dog found abandoned at Cameron Toll

The Evening News reported earlier today that the SSPCA are requesting help from the public to trace the owner of Carmen, a black Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was found, seemingly abandoned, tied up outside Cameron Toll around 7.45am yesterday morning.

I know many people living nearby in the Inch, around Liberton and also Gilmerton use Cameron Toll regularly. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

The original news article, including a photo of Carmen, can be viewed here:

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/dog-found-abandoned-at-cameron-toll-1-3089901

Protect your home from criminals

Some local residents have reported falling victim to opportunistic thieves who have broken into their homes or garden sheds.

The following tips from Police Scotland could help prevent your house from becoming a statistic:

• Secure shed and all tools that may be used to force entry

• Consider the use of a shed alarm

• Ensure your locks are tested to British Standard

• Fit deadlocks to external doors

• Fit and use security lights

• Window locks should be fitted where appropriate and used all the time.  Do not leave the key in the lock

• Mark all the electrical equipment with an ultraviolet marker pen

• Hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves

• Laptop computers and mobile phones are favourite housebreaking targets.  These should be locked away or removed from view.

• Add tracking software to smart phones, laptops and Ipads to aid in the recovery of these items

• Consider investing in a safe or strong box for storage of cash and valuables.  A safe should be securely fixed to the fabric of the building and should only be used for short-term storage of cash.