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

Garbage, Graffiti and Grit...all in one ugly place.

On passing by Maybury Road whilst visiting a resident, I couldn't help but take note of the disaster area that is the grit bin beside Balfour Court.

Not only is the bin exposed to the conditions due to the lack of a lid, irresponsible people have been using it as a rubbish bin!

The grit was sodden and frankly useless.

Add in the additional issues of the graffiti and you have an eyesore of a feature.

Another local issue heading it's way to get sorted....

Visit to the Drum Brae Library and Community Hub

I was honoured to have been given a 'sneak preview' of the fantastic new Drum Brae Library and Community Hub today.

West Team Neighbourhood Manager Natalie Hoy, Business Manager Jemma Blackwood and Library Development Officer Ewan McCormick all took time out of their busy schedules getting the boxes unpacked and putting the finishing touches to the building which opens to the public at 10am on Tuesday 31st January.

The Hub is not just a library - it really is so much more. The Hub brings together lots of services under one roof: a new library for the area, access to Council services and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, a cafe area, community meetings rooms and a day care centre. 

Ewan talked about the history of the site, which housed the Buttercup Diary Company, and the ergonomics of the building are something else.

At a cost of £5.7m, this is the first building of it's kind in Scotland.  I was particularly impressed by the geo-thermal heating mechanism in place.  It was needed today but thankfully the visit kept me inside whilst the mini-blizzard took place outside.

I was particularly pleased to see a couple of the murals, painted by local schoolkids and used as the hoarding boards around the site during the buildings construction, preserved and stuck up on the walls inside. A great touch.

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