It's looking ominous for the signs....

Avid readers,

You may recall last weekend I blogged re the workmen dumping their roadsigns at Maybury Road and noted that I would update with any progress.

Well, I am delighted to say that my prompt action re this matter has resulted in a response from the Council today (Wednesday) to get the contractors back to pick up the signage.

An extract from the welcoming email can be found below.

Again, it's not just about walking the walk, delivering glossy leaflets through letterboxes that will win elections, it's being able to talk the talk and get things done for the Community.

That's why voting Brown 1 on May 3rd will see a local champion work hard for all residents not just at election time, but all year round.

Til the next time.....

Mark,

In response to your email dated 8 April re Maybury Road - Signs left behind after works completed

We have contacted the Traffic Management contractors and have arranged for the items you noted to be picked up from the side of Balfour Court.

Regards

Mike Trotter
Projects Development (Transport)
City of Edinburgh Council

Pathway to graffiti, litter and yes, dog poo!

Walking along the pathway from Bughtlin Market to Craigmount High School should be a pleasant experience.

There are lots of nice trees, a playpark, people can take their dogs for a walk and it connects two parts of the ward, allowing local business to benefit from local patronage.

Sadly, I was taken aback by the level of vandalism in the area - mainly graffiti - when I was out and about the other day, taking a look on behalf of residents who had brought these issues to my attention.

There are several bins, lamposts and walls showing the effects of bouts of vandalism.  One offender in particular appears to enjoy the area, tagging themselves in multiple locations along the pathway.

In addition to this, the play park is looking rather grotty with a damn good weeding needing to be undertaken. The chute in the playpark is also a favourite with our artistic friends.

My only other observation was there is a long gap from the opening of the pathway at the school side before you reach a bin. There were a number of chippy boxes / pizza cartons - not to mention dog poo lying about.  Not visually attractive on what has the potential of being a pleasant pathway.

The grit bin pictured is situated opposite Craigmount High School. As you can see, it's not looking in the best of health.

I've forwarded on these issues to the Council's West Neighbourhood Team requested that remedial action is taken.  More on this when I get a response.

Working for you all year round - not just at election time!  Vote Brown 1 on May 3rd for a hard working local champion.

Signs aren't looking good at Maybury Road!

After carrying out repairs to the Maybury Road, leading up to Bughtlin Market, it appears that the workmen thought it best to leave their signs and cones at the bottom of the grassy verge outside someone's house.  These have been a feature now for some two weeks.

A polite email is winging it's way to the Council this afternoon.  Progress on their removal to appear here (hopefully soon!)

Edinburgh Conservatives Manifesto Launch

Last week I joined my Edinburgh Conservatives colleagues as we launched our Local Government Election Manifesto.

You can read about our vision for Edinburgh over the next 5 years by downloading it here

SORTED! Clermiston Green potholes fixed and road resurfaced

Some good news delivered today to the residents of Clermiston Green:

 

"Following complaints from residents in the Clermiston area back in January, local Conservative Council Candidate Mark Brown successfully managed to get the massive pothole fixed in Clermiston Green due to the dangers to public safety.

Whilst Mark’s prompt action to get the pothole fixed was welcomed by residents, photos taken at the time showed that there was still more work to be done.

As a result of Mark’s promise to keep the pressure up on the Council to get our roads up to scratch, work has recently been carried out to permanently repair the main stretch of Clermiston Green and other parts of the surrounding road.

Mark said, “The Council’s prompt response to fill the pothole back in January was long overdue however I am delighted that, following a series of follow up emails, the Roads Officer has taken on board both the Residents and my concerns and carried out these much needed repairs.

“With the high level of cost to the Council and taxpayer in compensation claims, it is vital that potholes are fixed quickly and done correctly first time.

Pictured below, you can see the benefits of having a Candidate working hard for you all year round – not just at election time.

A vote for Brown on May 3rd will guarantee your voice will be listened to when it comes to building a better future for Edinburgh."

Edinburgh Conservative Council election candidates announced

The full card of Conservative candidates for the Council election in 2012 is now available. There will be new faces in the Conservative group after May, as we see long serving councillors Alastair Paisley (Pentland Hills) & Kate MacKenzie (Almond) standing down, along with Gordon Buchan (Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart).

We're confident of gaining seats on the new council, and every seat is being worked hard & is in play. Despite initial bluster from the SNP no party has put forwards enough candidates to win an outright majority - but I'm hopeful our group will be larger than last time, & that we will be part of the administration getting Edinburgh back on track come May. The city has surely had enough drift over the last 5 years of SNP/Lib Dem shenanigans.

You can follow fellow candidates on Twitter via the @ names provided.

Ward 1 - Almond
Lindsay Paterson @LSPaterson

Ward 2 - Pentland Hills
Dominic Heslop
Sheila Low

Ward 3 - Drum Brae / Gyle
Mark Brown @Mr_Mark_Brown

Ward 4 - Forth
Allan Jackson

Ward 5 - Inverleith
Scott Douglas @scottdouglas_
Iain Whyte

Ward 6 - Corstorphine / Murrayfield
Jeremy Balfour

Ward 7 - Sighthill / Gorgie
Susan Dewhurst

Ward 8 - Colinton / Fairmielhead
Elaine Aitken
Jason Rust

Ward 9 - Fountainbridge / Craiglockhart
Will Searle @willsearle

Ward 10 - Meadows / Morningside
Mark McInnes

Ward 11 - City Centre
Jo Mowat

Ward 12 - Leith Walk
Miles Briggs

Ward 13 - Leith
Nicola Ross

Ward 14 - Craigentinny / Duddingston
Jason Lingiah @jasonlingiah

Ward 15 - Southside / Newington
Cameron Rose @cameronrose

Ward 16 - Liberton / Gilmerton
Nick Cook

Ward 17 - Portobello / Craigmillar
Henry Christian @HarryHatless

Hub happenings - Casual observations on the campaign trail....

It's been another good night out campaigning in the ward, with a barrowload of Resident's Surveys being delivered.  With only 9 weeks to go, things are heating up and the late nights are kicking in.

It's important at times though to relax and catch up with the news, either on the telly, web or reading the Edinburgh Evening News for any local stuff.  Today's letters page in the EEN was interesting.

The recent opening of the Drum Brae Library Hub has been a truly fantastic addition to the area - with over 10,000 visitors within the first couple of months. 

The new facility however appears to have caused a stooshie between my Labour opponent Karen Keil and the SNP's Colin Kerr. 



Comments and letters have been published in the Edinburgh Evening News over the last 7 days:

Library ‘does not make up for school’ Published on Thursday 23 February 2012

The opening of the new Drumbrae Library is “too little too late” for the local community, according to activists.

Karen Keil, one of the campaigners that opposed the (Drumbrae Primary) school closure, said: “If Lib Dems had not opposed the Drumbrae Leisure Centre then a library would have been built then as part of this popular sports centre.

“Local people have said to me that Drumbrae Hub does not make up for demolishing Drumbrae school. They are right and it will prove too little too late for the Lib Dems.”

---

In return, the SNP's Colin Kerr - still also masquerading as a Councillor until May - had the following letter printed in today's Edinburgh Evening News:

Candidate out of touch with area

I’m astonished by the comments made by Labour candidate Karen Keil (News, February 23) talking down the new Drum Brae Hub and stating it was “too little too late”.

The Drum Brae and Clermiston communities have campaigned for a library for more than 40 years.

Indeed, more than 1300 people attended its opening three weeks ago. I think Karen Keil is not only out of touch with the local community, but she clearly disagrees with her colleagues Malcolm Chisholm and Sarah Boyack, who both praised the £5.7 million project during a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

Mrs Keil has been hostile towards the project from the outset and is now essentially saying it’s not worth it. Her comments are a slap in the face to the many people who will benefit from the new facilities.

The truth is that Drum Brae has benefited greatly from this council administration, with more than £10m investment not only in the Hub but on a brand new care home. I would challenge Labour to back this investment.

Cllr Colin Keir MSP

---

Well, it looks like Colin has touched a nerve with Karen judging by the former LibDem voter / supporter-cum-Labour candidate's tweets tonight:

"I don't think Colin Keir likes me very much! And he's sent his apologies for the Gala quiz night too."

"Just in case anyone is in any doubt - I think the @west_team are the best! I'm really glad you are in #Drumbrae and #DrumbraeLibrary is FAB"

Quite.....

I think I'll let the others fight amongst themselves whilst I'm out on the doorstep fighting for the residents of Drum Brae / Gyle.  Sounds sensible enough to me.

Time for bed - another day, another challenge tomorrow. 

Morris stands down - SNP Candidate pulls out of Drum Brae / Gyle election battle

Elaine Morris has decided to stand down as the SNP candidate in Drum Brae / Gyle causing some local activists to voice concern over where the party is in terms of selecting a replacement.

With only 9 weeks to go until d-day, Morris has stood down due to reported 'underlying health issues'.  The party's recent election material, which has just been landing on resident's doormats, was promoting the Forth Ward Councillor's impending move across town. 

Whilst we've not had much time to get to know each other on the campaign trail, Elaine and I locked horns at the end of last year on the panel at the Safety Forum meeting.  I wish Elaine all the best for the future.

Rumours have been circulating that the Nats have been considering their options of standing one or two candidates in the ward.  Blogger Dan Phillips reckons it would be two http://liberalsellout.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/edinburgh-snp-26-candidates-maximum/ but this was before today's news.

I guess we will find out soon enough.  I'll try counting sheep at night so I don't lose any sleep over it.....

SNP grant cuts force Lothian Buses to put fares up

Bus fares in the capital are being put up and local services being axed as Lothian Buses struggles with cuts in government funding.

Lothian Buses services are being axed after the SNP Government announced plans to cut the Bus Service Operators Grant. The grant was originally intended to benefit bus users and compensate firms for rises in fuel duty and has become a real lifeline to local bus services, particularly in rural areas.

These SNP cuts combined with a new way of calculating the payments, have resulted in fare increases and service withdrawals serving Drum Brae / Gyle.  

The 48 & X48 are being withdrawn and I know that many local people, particularly those who do not drive, rely on these services to travel to work or to visit friends and family.

Bus fares in Edinburgh are going up from March 4th.

The cost of a single journey for adults on Lothian Buses will rise by more than 7% to £1.40, whilst a day ticket will go up from £3.20 to £3.50. The annual price of the Ridacard bus pass is set to go up by £36 to £612.

Student, child, Airlink and night bus fares will not be put up.

The SNP Government needs to get a grip of their priorities and seriously consider reversing these cuts.  Local bus operators are already struggling to maintain services in the face of sky-high fuel prices and a number of other pressures on their budgets.

Whilst this money was originally intended as a means of sheltering local bus firms – and therefore bus passengers – from rising fuel prices, the Scottish Government has broken the link to fuel duty going up, allowing them to introduce cuts such as we are seeing now.

Changes to the mechanism used to calculate payments will also lead to discrepancies between rural and urban areas. Because of the way these payments are made, in some areas the cuts could be nearer to 40%.

It is time the SNP realised the damage these cuts will cause to local communities and reversed their decision.

A statement from Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses has been posted on the company's website: "We endeavour to keep ticket prices as low as possible but this is an extremely challenging time for everyone. As with the majority of public transport providers, we have had to review our prices as a result of government funding cuts and rising operating costs."

Four seasons in one canvassing day...

As the old saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Edinburgh, hang around 5 minutes".

That was certainly the case in Craigmount, Wester Broom and South Gyle today as I experienced hail, snow, sunshine and freezing cold conditions during a positive day on the campaign trail.

It was an interesting and educational day, discussing issues such as schools, elderly care (I was actually horrified at one particular story relayed to me), potholes and parking on pavements with 100's of residents.  I even had one resident tell me that she put a fence round her garden as a result of finding two youths having sex in her garden!! 

It is abundently clear that a lot of people are looking for change at the Council come May 3rd.

Now, I am not as deluded as some to suggest that everyone is voting for me.  That would be foolish and unwise.  Indeed, I still chuckle at the level of activists and candidates who proclaim on Twitter etc to have had a cliche-tastic 'great day on the doorstep'. 

However, with my growing record of action delivered in the ward since my selection, together with more positive outcomes to be announced shortly, I believe that I have made and will continue to make the case to encourage residents to come out on May 3rd and vote Conservative for a change.   

Cllr Joanna Mowat tells Edinburgh Evening News, "I smell a rat in this budget"

The final budget before the Council Elections was set last Thursday as the LibDem / SNP shooglie-peg alliance delivered a populist agenda of pre-election giveaways.

In today's Edinburgh Evening News, Cllr Joanna Mowat, tells how she 'smells a rat in this budget':

The Lib Dem/SNP coalition has spent four years decrying their inheritance from Labour, castigating Labour for their fiscal irresponsibility, then produce a budget of sweeties and giveaways. When you look at the budget you can see exactly whose leaflets each giveaway will appear in. The coalition has had us make hard choices over the last four years and three months before an election can produce a big give-away budget – frankly I smell a rat.

Whilst it is pleasant to be able to give money away, the question has to be asked – is this a wise use of resources?

The Conservative group would say no it is not. Audit Scotland recommends councils to hold two-four per cent of their revenue budget in reserves – taking the £5.9 million out proposed by the coalition leaves a reserve of 1.2 per cent rather than 1.7 per cent. We proposed to keep the reserves at the higher figure. The reason for this is that while there is a small surplus this year there is a budget shortfall predicted for 2013/14 and 2014/15. There is also a lot of risk facing the council. To name two of the biggest ones – an overspend on the tram budget and costs associated with the statutory repairs disaster which are unquantified at present.

The Conservatives would have invested the surplus in making the council more efficient and ensuring that services are designed to serve the user, not the provider. We would also have invested in the city’s infrastructure, prioritising pothole repairs, reducing the school maintenance backlog and providing more bustrackers and cycling and pedestrian improvements.

Lunch with Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

This afternoon I attended a fundraiser in the Capital which saw Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP speak as guest of honour.

Rifkind, who was Edinburgh Pentlands MP from 1974 to 1997, spoke regarding the Independence debate where he pointed out with 30 to 40 years of consistent opinion polls giving 33 - 36% support in favour, it is hardly surprising that Alex Salmond is keen to delay the referendum. 

During the event, the MP for Kensington & Chelsea presented Cllr Alastair Paisley a token of appreciation for his services as a Councillor in the Capital (he was elected back in 1996) and flowers to Alastair's long suffering supportive wife, Inez.

Now, Paisley as we all know, is quite a character.  He made the newspapers last July after claiming £2.40 mileage for cycling to meetings  and even made it into Ken Smith's Herald Diary last week:

Edinburgh Tory councillor Alastair Paisley tells us there is much debate about Scots living in England not being allowed to vote in the independence referendum.

 

"Someone worked out," he tells us, "that nine of the 11 players in the Scottish international football team won't be able to vote.

"But not to worry – they're not able to put a cross in the box anyway."

Saturday session - cold but very rewarding as the campaign heats up

Whilst out and about on my travels on Saturday, I visited residents at Balfour Court ahead of the Disabled Parking Bays being put in place later this month.  These parking bays were something I fought for and delighted to have been able to make a difference.    Residents are eagerly awaiting this fantastic addition

Canvassing followed and it was off to the Craigs part of the world.  Casework coming out of speaking to people on the doorstep is part of the buzz of seeking election and I'll be putting pen to paper this week in order to get results for fed up residents. 

After a few hours door knocking, I took a trip to the Drum Brae Library Hub to pick up an application form to join the library (I've not been a member of a library since the I was about 13!) and also to pick up tickets to see Scotland Rugby legend Kenny Logan talk about his passion for rugby and his experiences of dyslexia.

Tickets for the event can be obtained through the contact details here: http://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/blogs/2012/02/kenny-logan-drumbrae-library-hub

Early intervention gets dangerous Clermiston Green pothole filled

Following several complaints from residents in the Clermiston area earlier this month over the size of the pothole at Clermiston Green, I took immediate action by informing the Council's Roads Services department on 7th January.

Below is the reply:

from: Annie Bent
to: Mark Brown

date: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM

Dear Mr Brown

Thank you for your email.  Please accept my apologies for the delay in providing you with an update.

On receipt of your original email the Roads Officer inspected the defects identified in your photos.

Arrangements are being made for repairs to be undertaken.

Kind regards

Annie

--

With the high cost to the Council and taxpayer in pothole compensation claims, prompt attention and hopefully prevention rather than cure can be put into action here.

From the photos, you can see that whilst the reported pothole at the top has been fixed (photo on the right) there is still more work to be done.  I will continue to keep the pressure up on the Council to get our roads up to scratch.

Pressure pays off as Mearenside BusTracker finally reinstated

Where incumbent Councillor pressure has previously failed, I have forced the Council into a dramatic U-turn just weeks after they reported that “We have no plans to replace the Bustracker display at Mearenside”.

Back in mid-December, the Council’sTransport Policy & Planning department advised me that “the cost of repeated repairs is simply not sustainable”. I was therefore delighted to note last week, whilst out and about meeting local residents, that the Bustracker had finally been replaced.

This is fantastic news for local residents who have been without this service for several months. The Bustracker is a great tool for bus users, particularly when the No.31 can at times be erratic in its timekeeping in relation to the paper timetable.

After liaising with the local Safer Neighbourhood Police team regarding the situation, I was advised that from 1st January 2011 the Police had received no reports of vandalism to Maybury Drive or Mearenside relating to the Bustracker vandalism. 

I find it odd that the Council had chosen to remove the Bustracker but failed to report any criminal activity to the Police.  Only by reporting incidents of vandalism can the Police respond and react. 

I am delighted to hear though that our local Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officer for the area Mark Coull's anti-social behaviour figures are improving in the area over the past few months.

Taking residents issues head on and delivering actions – not words – is key for any aspiring Councillor.  I will deliver what I promise and will continue to take up any and all issues on residents behalf.

Disabled parking spaces concessions gained for Balfour Court residents

It's been a busy and enjoyable start to the New Year, with success to report already.
Following complaints from residents in Balfour Court about the lack of disabled parking spaces, I am delighted to have arranged for disabled-only car parking spaces outside Blocks 1 and 8.

After consultation with Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, I have obtained the following concessions which will benefit many residents who have contacted me with mobility issues.

• Paint disabled only symbols on three of the four spaces outside block 1 (as highlighted in my quality graphic above!)
• Paint disabled only symbols on one of the three spaces outside block 8
• Arrange a sign for the entrance to the car park saying "strictly residents only".

This work is due to be carried out either towards the end of February or early in March.

Mearenside Bustracker - Residents fight back

I've been in to the Campaign HQ to pick up correspondence and one letter jumps out from a Mearenside resident where you may recall there has been an issue regarding vandalism of the Bustracker at the bus stop.

The decision to remove the Bustracker is clearly an unpopular one amongst residents based on the contents of the letter and I have complete sympathy for those who have been penalised by the actions of feral youths and their stupidity through vandalism.

The fight to reinstate the Bustracker continues.....

Street lights - keeping them on and the ward safe!

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.

Misery for Mearenside residents over BusTracker removal

Following recent correspondence received from Mearenside residents, I have been in touch with the Council in respect of the broken / missing BusTracker situated beside the bus stop on Maybury Drive.

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!

Rannoch Road Walkway improvements on their way

I am delighted to report that I have pressed local officials into re-opening the files on the Rannoch Road walkway weed misery, after almost 2 and a half years, literally, in the wilderness.

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