I've been contacted many times recently surrounding a number of street lights out in the area and this has found me taking greater notice of what is above my head when walking around the ward at night.
As the winter weather draws in and the light has gone by 4pm, the Council must ensure that street lights are kept working. Many people have complained to me that they don't feel safe if street lights are faulty.
This must be a top priority for the Council and I'll be ensuring any lights reported to me are brought to their attention immediately.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Positive action sees Gylemuir grit bin issues sorted in 48 hours
Following complaints by residents in Gylemuir on the 15th that their grit bins hadn't been filled despite contacting the Council a total of 4 times, I'm delighted to hear from a resident today that, just 48 hours later, the grit bins have been replenished.
Whilst the weather this year has been more mild than last year, it does not mean that the Council can avoid doing the basics to ensure that residents are prepared if the weather does get worse.
Whilst the weather this year has been more mild than last year, it does not mean that the Council can avoid doing the basics to ensure that residents are prepared if the weather does get worse.
Misery for Mearenside residents over BusTracker removal
Unfortunately, due to continued mindless vandalism, Edinburgh Council, who operate in conjunction with Lothian Buses, have decided that the BusTracker will not be replaced.
Here is the body of the email I received today notifying me of the decision:
From: My BusTracker MyBusTracker@edinburgh.gov.uk 12/15/11---
Dear Mr Brown,
Thank you for your email.
We have no plans to replace the Bustracker display at Mearenside. Unfortunately the Bustracker displays that were placed along Maybury Drive have been repeatedly vandalised and were all removed a few months ago.
After some community and local Councillor pressure we did reluctantly agree to replace the sign at Mearenside but on the strict understanding that if it were to be vandalised again, then it would be removed permanently. Unfortunately this has now happened.
This area has proven to be the worst location for such vandalism and the first location where we have had to take this action. I know that it will be a minority of mindless individuals that are causing the problem and it is the whole community that will suffer from the loss of the displays but the cost of repeated repairs is simply not sustainable.
Kind regards,
Stuart
Stuart Lowrie
The City of Edinburgh Council
Transport Policy & Planning
I have since been in touch with Lothian & Borders Police re this regrettable action and will be meeting shortly with an Officer from the Safer Neighbourhood Team to discuss crime in the area and how positive prevention can help put forward a case for a return of the Bustracker.
More on this in the New Year!
Monday, 5 December 2011
Winter Weather Preparation a must for Drum Brae / Gyle
I've been working hard recently to keep up the pressure on the Council to ensure the city is prepared for winter weather.
Thanks to my Conservative colleagues at the City Chambers, the city is now better prepared if we have a repeat of the terrible weather we had last winter. Whilst the city centre was cleared relatively quickly, it was the outlying areas such as the Drum Brae / Gyle area that took too long to clear.
The following actions will take place should snow fall like last year:
1: More roads have been designated 'Category 1' meaning they will be cleared with greater urgency. For an interactive map of where your local grit bin is, and information on what category your road is, search online for 'Edinburgh Council' and Winter road and pavement maintenance'
2: 680km of Priority 1 pavements have been identified to be treated by the Council's 20 mini-tractors in the event of snow. These include pedestrian access to schools, medical facilities and essential local shopping areas.
3: Increased the Council's salt stocks from 7200 tonnes that were held at the start of last winter, to over 25,000 tonnes to be in place by the end of October.
If you have any further queries or issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch, or if you have any questions regarding the above items, please contact the Council's Winter Weather Team or email: winter.maintenance@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 3685
Thanks to my Conservative colleagues at the City Chambers, the city is now better prepared if we have a repeat of the terrible weather we had last winter. Whilst the city centre was cleared relatively quickly, it was the outlying areas such as the Drum Brae / Gyle area that took too long to clear.
The following actions will take place should snow fall like last year:
1: More roads have been designated 'Category 1' meaning they will be cleared with greater urgency. For an interactive map of where your local grit bin is, and information on what category your road is, search online for 'Edinburgh Council' and Winter road and pavement maintenance'
2: 680km of Priority 1 pavements have been identified to be treated by the Council's 20 mini-tractors in the event of snow. These include pedestrian access to schools, medical facilities and essential local shopping areas.
3: Increased the Council's salt stocks from 7200 tonnes that were held at the start of last winter, to over 25,000 tonnes to be in place by the end of October.
If you have any further queries or issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch, or if you have any questions regarding the above items, please contact the Council's Winter Weather Team or email: winter.maintenance@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 3685
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Rannoch Road Walkway improvements on their way
Following a recent meeting with frustrated local residents, I contacted the West Neighbourhood Team highlighting the eyesore shown in the pictures below.
Having previously installed a fence at a cost of £6k in Phase 1 of the project some time ago, the overgrown weeds and unsightly bushes are now back on the agenda thanks to my persistence in getting a positive outcome for fed-up residents.
I have been advised that there will be consultation letters going out to all residents regarding the refurbishment of the drying areas in order that the Council can achieve a practical long term solution to the maintenance of these areas.
After discussions with the Council officials, Phase 2 of the project which concentrates on the unused ground and the maintenance of the area is now thankfully under review and the project to be revisited in 2012.
By listening and taking on board resident's concerns, the project will not be seeking to put in place any seating or play facilities within the area.
There is however some fantastic news for the immediate rejuvenation of the area.
Correspondence received earlier this week from the Services for Communities team notes that whilst the long term plan is for full refurbishment, in the interim period the Council will carry out work to clear the area of weeds.
Taking residents issues head on and delivering actions – not words – is key for any aspiring Councillor. I will deliver what I promise and will takeup any and all issues on your behalf.
I promise that if elected next May, I will be a strong voice for you as your representative at the Council. I believe that many politicians forget about the local communities andthe people who live there. I promise to put local people first in any decision.
If you would like to discuss this, or any other issue in the area, please contact me either on 0776 4149767 or email at mark.brown@scottishconservatives.com
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Policing & Community Safety Evening
Tonight I took part in a lively panel debate at the West Edinburgh Community Safety Panel 'Policing & Community Safety Evening' at the Capital Hotel in Clermiston.
The event was very useful indeed, with the opportunity to meet with safety panel members, local police, neighbourhood watch members, the local community safety team; community organisations and the local community more generally.
The evening kicked-off with a presentation by Lothian & Borders Police Community Safety Team and the Neighbourhood Watch.
Then the main event of the evening! The panel discussion including Q&A on community safety; policing (in particular the proposed single police force for Scotland) and other local related issues with questions coming from a healthy sized audience.
Alongside me on the panel were SNP City of Edinburgh Council for Forth Ward Cllr Elaine Morris; Lib Dem CEC Cllr Robert Aldridge; Labour CEC candidate for Corstorphine & Murrayfield Tom McInally; with Chief Inspector Murray Dykes representing L&B police. The panel Chair was BBC Sports Commentator & Broadcaster Paul Mitchell.
There were a wide range of topics on the go, including Cold Calling Zones which are proving to be a blight in the West of the City as a whole.
The event was very useful indeed, with the opportunity to meet with safety panel members, local police, neighbourhood watch members, the local community safety team; community organisations and the local community more generally.
The evening kicked-off with a presentation by Lothian & Borders Police Community Safety Team and the Neighbourhood Watch.
Then the main event of the evening! The panel discussion including Q&A on community safety; policing (in particular the proposed single police force for Scotland) and other local related issues with questions coming from a healthy sized audience.
Alongside me on the panel were SNP City of Edinburgh Council for Forth Ward Cllr Elaine Morris; Lib Dem CEC Cllr Robert Aldridge; Labour CEC candidate for Corstorphine & Murrayfield Tom McInally; with Chief Inspector Murray Dykes representing L&B police. The panel Chair was BBC Sports Commentator & Broadcaster Paul Mitchell.
There were a wide range of topics on the go, including Cold Calling Zones which are proving to be a blight in the West of the City as a whole.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Drum Brae Community Council Meeting
Tonight I made my first visit to the Drum Brae Community Council at the Rannoch Centre.
A great sense of community pride and spirit was on show tonight and I for one will be keen to be involved in the heart of the area to assist residents in their aims.
Key things coming out of tonight included a disappointing rise in crime (circa 14% on year) in Drum Brae / Craigmount. Police put this down to activity around Bughtlin Market.
Road checks were to continue at Drum Brae Drive.
The Community Hub & Library appears to be very well received by everyone in attendance and it's opening in January is eagerly awaited.
Cold Calling Zones were discussed at length. Interestingly, it was noted that each area must have 51% of residents willing to sign up to the scheme.
A great sense of community pride and spirit was on show tonight and I for one will be keen to be involved in the heart of the area to assist residents in their aims.
Key things coming out of tonight included a disappointing rise in crime (circa 14% on year) in Drum Brae / Craigmount. Police put this down to activity around Bughtlin Market.
Road checks were to continue at Drum Brae Drive.
The Community Hub & Library appears to be very well received by everyone in attendance and it's opening in January is eagerly awaited.
Cold Calling Zones were discussed at length. Interestingly, it was noted that each area must have 51% of residents willing to sign up to the scheme.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Launch of Clean Streets Campaign
Today I launched my Clean Streets Campaign for Drum Brae / Gyle.
I believe that too many politicians, once elected, forget that people want the council to do the basics - like keep their streets clean, run their schools and look after those that need our help the most.
There are obviously wider issues than just these, but if we can't get the basics right, then what message are we sending about our city?
I want you to get in touch with me about problems in your local area and I'll petition the Council to get it fixed.
Whether it's bins uncollected, dog fouling, grafitti or anything that affects your local area, let me know and I'll get it sorted.
Just ring me on 0776 4149767 or email me at mark.brown @ scottishconservatives.com (take out the spaces either side of the @ - it's there to save me getting lots of spam!)
I believe that too many politicians, once elected, forget that people want the council to do the basics - like keep their streets clean, run their schools and look after those that need our help the most.
There are obviously wider issues than just these, but if we can't get the basics right, then what message are we sending about our city?
I want you to get in touch with me about problems in your local area and I'll petition the Council to get it fixed.
Whether it's bins uncollected, dog fouling, grafitti or anything that affects your local area, let me know and I'll get it sorted.
Just ring me on 0776 4149767 or email me at mark.brown @ scottishconservatives.com (take out the spaces either side of the @ - it's there to save me getting lots of spam!)
Trams - Common Sense Please!
On Thursday 30th June, Council Administration took the enormous decision to complete the tram project to St Andrew's Square at a cost of £770 million.
Council officials have now been given two months to try to fill the gap of over £200 million before everything is finalised. The truly shocking part of this decision though is the childish way in which the ruling Lib Dem / SNP administration has bickered with each other, whilst on their watch this project has crumbled.
Since the trams were first given the green light, the Conservatives have consistently called for decisive leadership from the administration who have been found wanting. To make matters worse, the SNP have been behaving as if they opposed the trams when in fact they have voted for the business case and project 13 times.
If that wasn't bad enough, the SNP's call for a referendum was not thought through and if enacted, would have likely seen the contractor take the Council to court, no doubt costing the city even more money.
At the meeting, the only sensible option was proposed by Conservative Councillors, who called for more information on the costs before any final decision was made. Ridiculously, no justification for the cost has been given to the public, as figures are deemed to be 'commercially sensitive'.
To not give us any figures is just a farce. If the Lib Dems are going to take such an enormous decision with such a huge amount of public money, then we need to be open and transparent about all the options before a decision is made.
This was a project that was started by the Labour Party, badly managed by the SNP and the Lib Dems and not once have any of the people responsible apologised to the people of Edinburgh for the mess that has been made.
Council officials have now been given two months to try to fill the gap of over £200 million before everything is finalised. The truly shocking part of this decision though is the childish way in which the ruling Lib Dem / SNP administration has bickered with each other, whilst on their watch this project has crumbled.
Since the trams were first given the green light, the Conservatives have consistently called for decisive leadership from the administration who have been found wanting. To make matters worse, the SNP have been behaving as if they opposed the trams when in fact they have voted for the business case and project 13 times.
If that wasn't bad enough, the SNP's call for a referendum was not thought through and if enacted, would have likely seen the contractor take the Council to court, no doubt costing the city even more money.
At the meeting, the only sensible option was proposed by Conservative Councillors, who called for more information on the costs before any final decision was made. Ridiculously, no justification for the cost has been given to the public, as figures are deemed to be 'commercially sensitive'.
To not give us any figures is just a farce. If the Lib Dems are going to take such an enormous decision with such a huge amount of public money, then we need to be open and transparent about all the options before a decision is made.
This was a project that was started by the Labour Party, badly managed by the SNP and the Lib Dems and not once have any of the people responsible apologised to the people of Edinburgh for the mess that has been made.
I'm backing Community Councils - Why not get Involved?
For the past few years, Mark has been involved in local community councils across Edinburgh. As a new resident to this ward, Mark intends to visit our two community councils in the area, Drum Brae and Corstorphine, as each will play a vital role in our communities and will have an important role in local democracy.
If you want to know more about what the council is doing in your area and more importantly, if you want a say in what the council is doing in your area, then getting involved in your local community council is the best way to do it.
If you want to find out more about the community council in your area, you can contact the Community Council Liaison and Development Officer on 469 6203 or email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
If you want to know more about what the council is doing in your area and more importantly, if you want a say in what the council is doing in your area, then getting involved in your local community council is the best way to do it.
If you want to find out more about the community council in your area, you can contact the Community Council Liaison and Development Officer on 469 6203 or email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Mark Brown selected to fight Drum Brae / Gyle seat
Mark Brown has been selected by local Conservatives to fight the Council ward of Drum Brae / Gyle. The area spreads from The Gyle at its most southerly, up to Drum Brae and the Barnton Junction and across to Clermiston.
Mark, 38, has lived in Edinburgh all his life and is married to Laura. Mark works as a client services manager providing cash flow solutions for small businesses. Outside the office, Mark enjoys playing Cricket for the Woodcutters CC & Holy Cross CC and was President of Broughton Rugby Club from 2006-2011.
Mark is looking forward to meeting as many local residents as possible between now and the election to find out what the real issues are on the doorsteps throughout the ward.
He said, “I am proud to have been selected as the Conservative candidate in the Drum Brae / Gyle ward. This is a ward that plays an integral role in shaping Edinburgh’s economy, through it being home to many of the key players in the financial industry and the iconic Gyle Shopping Centre. It’s also a great part of Edinburgh in terms of its recreational facilities and green spaces.
My message is a simple one. I believe that it is time for change and a time for real leadership in the Council. This will only come from understanding the needs and aspirations of the people that politicians are here to serve. Politicians must stop seeing themselves as a special breed, destined to the ‘statesmen’.
I will be someone who will put local people first, someone who will understand their problems and represent and fight for their interests. My number one priority is to help people make the best of their lives. We must always work towards a bigger and better Edinburgh and whilst maintaining core political principles, I am more than willing to work with others in the multi-member Ward to deliver a blueprint to help shape Edinburgh’s future.”
You can contact Mark through the office, email him direct at mark.brown@scottishconservatives.com
Mark, 38, has lived in Edinburgh all his life and is married to Laura. Mark works as a client services manager providing cash flow solutions for small businesses. Outside the office, Mark enjoys playing Cricket for the Woodcutters CC & Holy Cross CC and was President of Broughton Rugby Club from 2006-2011.
Mark is looking forward to meeting as many local residents as possible between now and the election to find out what the real issues are on the doorsteps throughout the ward.
He said, “I am proud to have been selected as the Conservative candidate in the Drum Brae / Gyle ward. This is a ward that plays an integral role in shaping Edinburgh’s economy, through it being home to many of the key players in the financial industry and the iconic Gyle Shopping Centre. It’s also a great part of Edinburgh in terms of its recreational facilities and green spaces.
My message is a simple one. I believe that it is time for change and a time for real leadership in the Council. This will only come from understanding the needs and aspirations of the people that politicians are here to serve. Politicians must stop seeing themselves as a special breed, destined to the ‘statesmen’.
I will be someone who will put local people first, someone who will understand their problems and represent and fight for their interests. My number one priority is to help people make the best of their lives. We must always work towards a bigger and better Edinburgh and whilst maintaining core political principles, I am more than willing to work with others in the multi-member Ward to deliver a blueprint to help shape Edinburgh’s future.”
You can contact Mark through the office, email him direct at mark.brown@scottishconservatives.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)