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.

Funding shortage results in roundabout mudpit madness

As noted elsewhere, the road surfacing repairs at Maybury Road have taken place.

Sadly, the roundabout at Bughtlin Market has been left in a sorry mess during these works.

I've been on to the West Neighbourhood Team already, taking on board Residents queries over what plans were in place for the roundabout due to it looking rather unsightly.

Many residents have asked if the space could be brightened up with some type of floral arrangement however, correspondence from the Council's West Neighbourhood Team notes that, despite carrying out works involving the roundabout, no funds are available for any further works to be undertaken.

Therefore, for the forseeable future, residents and indeed visitors to East Craigs area of the ward will be welcomed by a muddy mess of a roundabout.

I'd have hoped part of the project planning process would have been to make good the roundabout once the road had been resurfaced.  I'm sure many would agree.

If elected, I will revisit this decision of leaving the roundabout as a mudpit. Perhaps this could be an ideal opportunity for a local business to sponsor the roundabout and maintain its upkeep....

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....

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."

Ruth Davidson visits Drum Brae / Gyle

With the months becoming weeks and now being counted in days, the election campaign is fast approaching the d-day of May 3rd.

With 8 runners in the starting gate, the field of candidates seeking election is a big one for the 3 seats available.

On Saturday, the Vote Brown 1 campaign got a tremendous boost with a visit from the Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson.

Ruth, along with several activists (some pictured below whilst the camera shy knocked on the doors!), took part in a positive canvassing session in the ward.

Feedback on the doorsteps was very strong, with several commenting on the results I've achieved around the ward.  Whilst this is all very flattering, there is so much more to be done.

Hopefully on May 3rd the good people of Drum Brae / Gyle will allow me to continue where I have started off.