Here are the main points from our 11 April meeting:
CRIME
Police have arrested two people believed to responsible for 9 house break-ins locally. The level of housebreakings has fallen in the last 2 weeks but shed break-ins are on the rise again so take precautions. Car windows also appear to be a current target. We are aware of some residents’ concerns regarding the statistics given for crime levels and are discussing this with the relevant Police staff.
ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE
The Hospice is a nationally and internationally recognized centre of excellence for end-of-life care which we host in our community. We received an informative update from CEO Jackie Husband on its history and plans following the recent redevelopment. While there had been recurrent concerns from nearby residents during redevelopment we should look forward to being good neighbours with a constructive and fruitful relationship.
Perhaps the most persistent concern has been the impact on parking. Various measures are now in place (increased on-site parking, better positioning for bike racks, delivery time slots etc) and, of course, construction traffic has stopped. So things have improved rather. But this is one of the things which we will monitor in partnership with the Hospice.
Did you know that St Columba’s has 180 staff and 700 volunteers and works closely with establishments in Iceland, Uganda and India? Want to know more? There’s a 5 year strategy document “Care and Compassion Matters” which, among other things, describes how the focus is increasingly on at-home care, education, hands-on creative work and supporting families through GPs and teachers.
Better still, why not arrange a visit? Always willing to welcome people seeking a greater understanding of their work you will doubtless be impressed by the warmth and friendliness of all the Hospice staff and volunteers. And if that’s something you mean to do but never get round to, there’s an annual community event which folk can drop in on.
TRAFFIC
Despite consistent pressure from TCC for a review of traffic through North Edinburgh and various encouraging noises, we are now told that this must wait to be considered within the next Local Development Plan. That is very disappointing given that this whole saga started when we highlighted the inadequate coverage in the LDP which is about to be signed off. We will be pressing further.
LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS
CEC Planning now advise that the outcome of the Reporter’s visit to 127 Trinity Road is likely to be announced near the end of April.
ANNUAL WALKABOUT
This will start from the statue of Edward VII in Victoria Park at 10 a.m on Saturday 23 April. We will tour the ideas that the newly-formed Friends of Victoria Park have, then take in part of the Dudleys before inspecting the Vennel behind Trinity Academy through to the new Sainsbury’s site in Craighall Road. Must be something you have to say on at least part of that route! So please come along for the start or join at any point. Everyone welcome!
TRIFFIDS
Following our recent article on Japanese Knotweed and damage it can do to building one of our readers has been helping identify and treat the stuff locally. Let us know if you would like some local help and we’ll put you in touch, but CEC also has a statutory responsibility to tackle it and remember that if it’s neglected, that owners may be prosecuted.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!
We have not yet received a firm date but expect that Community Council elections will be scheduled for September/October. This is a fun way in which to contribute to Trinity’s collective wellbeing. Why not stand for election?
TRINITY’S GOT TALENT!
We all know about the wonderful (if discrete) architecture which exists in Trinity. Now local resident, Lesley Kelly has even made it the title of her new novel, “A Fine House in Trinity”. This will be launched on 21 April at Waterstones in Princes Street to which we are all invited. Should be a great holiday read!
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
RBS has agreed to fund a number of planters at/near the site of their much-missed former branch at the South Trinity Road/Ferry Road corner. We are finalizing the details for this with various parties who will take on maintenance.
GET OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE NEIGHBOURS
Change goes on and to our east, another much-loved former outlet has received a new lease of life. The site of the old Peacock Inn is now occupied by Italian-themed “Sasso” who have moved and expanded from their old base in the south side of the city. Morningside’s loss looks like being our gain!
While to our west, for anyone who enjoys a stroll along the foreshore, there’s now a handy amenity in the form of the newly opened Boardwalk Beach Club. Named after architect Sir Terry Farrell’s vision for a ten-mile boardwalk running from Cramond to Portobello this is the sort of regeneration to be welcomed. So why not earn that snack with a walk first? Guilt-free coffee and cake!
TRINITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL APRIL NEWSLETTER
More on Facebook or TCC website or at our next meeting on Monday 9 May at 7 pm in Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road when we will consider the latest Quarterly Report from Forth Neighbourhood Partnership. Hopefully also an update on the street-lighting programme and CEC’s Transformation.
TCC meetings are open to all. Come and give us your opinions. Or contact a Community Councillor. Tell us your views so that we can represent them!
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