Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hailed Save Leith Walk campaigners as he highlighted housing, poverty and inequality during his visit to Edinburgh yesterday.
Mr Corbyn described Save Leith Walk as “an iconic campaign” saying the shortage of social housing across the UK and Edinburgh was a major factor leading to increased levels of homelessness.
Speaking at a Christmas lunch event held for community groups, including Living Rent, credit unions and Crisis, Mr Corbyn added: “Too many Scottish households don’t have enough to get by and food bank use is on the increase. This shows that something is very seriously wrong in our political and economic system, and needs to change.”
The lack of social housing and the increases in rent across Leith have been key issues identified by Save Leith Walk during its campaign to stop the demolition of buildings at the foot of Leith Walk and influence the proposed development.
Drum Property Group wants to build 471 student flats, a 56-bedroom hotel, 53 so-called ‘affordable’ homes as well as a restaurant, café and shops.
Campaigners want to save the historic two-storey sandstone buildings at 106-154 Leith Walk – home to independent shops, businesses and the Leith Depot bar and live music venue – which are in danger of being bulldozed if the planning applications are granted. It also wants to see more social and truly affordable homes that strengthen Leith as a cohesive community.
Mr Corbyn’s vote of confidence in Save Leith Walk follows support from high profile figures such as The Proclaimers, the Young Fathers, Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey, Ben Macpherson MSP, local councillors and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh who fear that the proposed demolition and development threatens Leith’s unique character and heritage.
There are also growing concerns that if the scheme is approved it will give a green light to similar private developments across Edinburgh, pushing up rents and forcing even more people on low incomes out of the city centre.
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